Madigan Warns Tax Hike Idea Could Return

Dave Dahl -- Illinois Radio Network

That “middle of the road” budget has passed the Illinois House. But don't count out the idea of digging up some more revenue later this year or “into January,” said Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago). “We'll assess the situation at the time.”

While the budget – with the 5 percent income tax rolling back to 3.75 percent Dec. 31 and relying, as in previous years, on borrowing or delay – raises the specter of layoffs, “state agencies have had experience with austere budgets over several years,” Madigan points out.

The budget, whose five bills passed on party-line votes, comes after the House failed to pass an even more austere budget and after House members failed to get enough support, as the governor wanted, to extend the 5 percent personal income tax.

Republicans complained about being left out of the process and about being expected to consider complicated budget bills just a few hours before they are voted on.

The Senate has supported the higher income tax all along.

The fiscal year starts July 1.

The budget bills are HB's 6093 through 6097.