Rauner says he looks forward to Obama's statehouse visit
CHICAGO (AP) - Gov. Bruce Rauner says he looks forward to welcoming President Barack Obama back to the Illinois Capitol.
Obama is scheduled to address the Illinois General Assembly on Feb. 10 in Springfield, the city where Chicago Democrat and former state senator announced nine years ago that he was entering the 2008 presidential race.
Obama is set to speak to lawmakers about "what we can do, together, to build a better politics."
The address comes as disagreement between Illinois' Republican governor and Democrat-controlled Legislature has led to a months-long state budget stalemate.
In a statement Friday, Rauner says he and Obama share a passion for improving education and economic opportunity.
The governor's office says Rauner plans to invite Obama to join him for a beer at a brewpub while he's in town.