Gov. Bruce Rauner has signed legislation meant to bring state jobs back to Springfield.

By late Wednesday afternoon, Illinois Republicans and Democrats only appeared to be moving farther apart on a budget deal.

At least some of the lawmakers headed back to Springfield Wednesday are optimistic progress could be made towards a state budget after almost two years without a spending plan.

Nearly three-dozen activists were arrested during a sit-in last night at the Illinois State Capitol. Their goal: get lawmakers to pass a so called “People and Planet First Budget” — taxing the wealthy to pay for universal health care and free tuition at public universities.

Christmas lights are up at the Illinois capitol, despite a brief period where it had appeared the state budget impasse would keep the dome dark. That interlude led to another outcome, appropriate during the season for giving.