* Greg Hinz did some digging and came up with some of the framework put together by Senate President John Cullerton and Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno over the holidays…

Rauner and the Republicans reportedly would get the term limits the governor desperately wants, but only for legislative leaders, not the rank-and-file workers. And those term limits wouldn’t kick in for a few years, so Madigan—who can’t live forever, can he?—would still have some time.

The deal would also lack the permanent property-tax freeze that Rauner wants, but would have a two-year one. That would allow time for a legislative panel to redraft the state’s school-funding code, something that Democrats have pushing.

Also in the package, I’m told, are some relatively modest but face-saving changes in the workers’ comp system. And unspecified changes in state worker pensions, perhaps the “consideration” mode that Cullerton has been pushing for awhile.

In exchange, adequate votes would be guaranteed to boost the state income tax back to around the 5 percent level it was at under ex-Gov. Pat Quinn, with a new statewide tax on sugary drinks tossed in to raise more money.

As I told subscribers earlier this week, the personal income tax level would be set at 4.9 percent - just a hair under the 5 percent level when Rauner was elected governor.

There’s plenty more, and the package is expected to be unveiled on Monday. If you want more deets, you can always subscribe.

* So far, neither the governor nor the House Speaker have overtly dumped on the plan, which is a positive sign.

Since Madigan was cut out of the Senate deal-making, he’ll likely want to put his own stamp on whatever emerges (some Democrats have suggested moving the statewide elections to presidential years, for example).

But putting his own stuff in there isn’t necessarily bad. As long as Madigan doesn’t kill off too much or insert too many poison pills, whatever he does will be a de facto counter-offer to the Senate’s counter-offer to Rauner. And that’s progress.

On the other hand, Madigan could try to shave votes off in the Senate or refuse to move anything in the House. I don’t think his members, who’ve barely been paid in 7 months and are growing more sick and tired of this war with every passing day, will love that idea, however. The union stuff that I’ve been briefed on by folks in both parties isn’t horrendous. And it doesn’t appear to be a blatant attack on the middle class (except for the raising their taxes part, that is).

If Madigan does kill it, Rauner can then blame Madigan yet again for not playing ball even when the Democratic Senate President wants to act like an adult.

Of course, there’s always the very real possibility that Rauner might try to kick the legs out from under it as well. He should resist that temptation because he can’t escape blame forever. And he should also keep his own comment in mind from this week…

“Both sides need to want an agreement in order to get one,” Rauner told WGN’s Tahman Bradley during a one-on-one interview. “I certainly want an agreement and I`ll be flexible on everything.”

Then do so.

It’s time to move forward.

*** UPDATE *** Rauner was asked about this topic in southern Illinois today. He said he was briefed by Leader Radogno two nights ago and added that he didn’t yet have all the details and said he wouldn’t comment on those details (including the tax hike) because the talks are “still in flux” and that the two leaders need “space to continue to negotiate.” He also said this…

“I’m heartened by that. I’m optimistic they’re negotiating in good faith to come up with changes to our system so it’s not broken anymore… They’re working on some really important things that can all help us get balanced budgets for the long term. So, I’m optimistic. It’s gonna take work, but I’m very supportive of the Democrats and Republicans continuing to negotiate and trying to get some solutions.”

* Raw audio…

Click to listen