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SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (AP) -- Democratic legislators hope to finish work on a new Illinois budget soon.

A major piece of the budget has already been sent to the governor, but state senators still need to vote on whether to borrow billions of dollars and give the governor more control over spending.

Senate committees are supposed to begin voting on those proposals Thursday.

Democrats hope to wrap up a new budget no later than May 31.

After that, more votes would be required to pass anything, giving Republicans leverage over the budget.

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