SPRINGFIELD -- With a state budget that's stymied once again, some Illinois Republicans are suggesting Democrats take baby steps until a full solution can be found.

The state's fiscal year ends Tuesday, and some Republicans want lawmakers and Gov. Pat Quinn to approve a temporary spending plan that would keep the government running for a month or two instead of a full year.

A short-term budget, they say, can buy policymakers some time. The state needs a budget to operate, but quibbling over taxes and spending have led to a stalemate.

"We can't do all this by July," said state Rep. David Reis, R-Willow Hill.

Quinn has said a budget approved by the House and Senate in May will mean deep cuts to services to the elderly and disabled. But Republicans have rejected the idea that an income tax is necessary to provide those services

"It's ugly if you follow through with all the things the governor threatened to do," said state Sen. Dave Luechtefeld, R-Okawville.

Democrats largely control the process of budget making in Springfield. Senate President John Cullerton, doesn't want to approve a temporary budget unless Republicans agree that a tax hike is needed, said spokeswoman Rikeesha Phelon.

"It is definitely not the first option that we need to be pursuing," Phelon said.

Republicans have mostly opposed an income tax hike, and some have called for more cuts and efficiencies in state government before they'd even consider one.

"Will it (efficiencies) save enough to balance the budget? No," state Sen. John Jones, R-Mount Vernon, said. But, Jones said, lawmakers should make an effort to save money before raising taxes.

If no budget is in place when the new fiscal year begins Wednesday, it doesn't automatically result in a shutdown of state government. In the past, officials have said the state could continue to meet payroll until the middle of July before problems begin to arise.

The House returns Monday. The Senate isn't scheduled to return to Springfield until Tuesday, the final day of the fiscal year.

"We should have stayed and hashed it out," state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, said.

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