[Updated and bumped up.]

* House Republican Leader Tom Cross just talked to the media after this morning’s leaders meeting with the governor. Cross described the talks as quite positive. There is no agreement yet on whether to do a five-month plan or a full-year plan, but Cross said there needs to be “stability” for now. He also said the governor views any overrides of his appropriations vetoes as a “hostile act,” but added that route might be the way to go. “We’re working on the mechanics.” Watch it all…

The leaders will meet with Gov. Pat Quinn again at 4 o’clock this afternoon after they talk with their members. Senate Dems and SGOPs are caucusing at the moment. One topic will be the added borrowing for the pension systems. That’s up to $3.5 billion from $2.2 billion.

We’ll post more videos, if any, on this post from those caucus meetings.

* Tribune…

House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) said there is support to borrow billions short-term to make state worker pension payments this year. The money would help fund social services, which had been put on the chopping block during the budget impasse.

“At the end of the day, it will not be as severely as it was portrayed by the governor six weeks ago,” Cross said of the cuts.

Cross said a tax increase “is off the table” and added that the governor wants to review the budget after five months, but there would not be any legal authority for him to do so. […]

“The main thing we’re trying to do is avoid chaos, and that’s everyone’s goal. We all agree with that, and we’re working towards that end,” said Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont).

*** 2:23 pm *** From Rep. John Fritchey’s Twitter page…

So session lasted approximately 90 seconds. Now we’re off to caucus. Is it any wonder why people are frustrated?
1 minute ago

*** 3:30 pm *** [posted by Mike Murray] Sen. Garrett comments on today’s Senate Democratic caucus. Senate Dems are committed to avoiding a shutdown of state operation and will appropriate funds to that end. Also discussed was a possible $3.6 billion pension note bill…