Illinois Senate President John Cullerton is still trying to arrange a floor vote Wednesday on a compromise budget plan even as loud opposition has arisen in the Capitol. The Chicago Democrat says the massive tax-increase and spending overhaul plan he negotiated with Republican Leader Christine Radogno of Lemont is complex and the two leaders are having difficulty lining up votes for it. Cullerton says he's still pushing because it's an emergency.
Radogno promised a Senate vote on the wide-ranging deal by month's end, but skepticism emerged when leaders announced the 13 pieces of legislation would be debated in committee hearings but not voted on.
The package raises income taxes, freezes property taxes, making cost-saving changes to pension funds and workers' compensation, expands casino gambling and more. The Senate plan called for a 32% increase in the personal income tax - from 3.75% to 4.95%. The Revenue Committee heard a revised plan Tuesday to make it 4.99% but took no vote.
Olympia Fields Democratic Sen. Toi Hutchinson says the income tax on corporations would jump from 5.25% to 7%. The 5% excise tax would be applied to services such as repair, landscaping and laundry.
There was no mention of a previously proposed tax on sugary drinks such as soda pop, which drew immediate corporate criticism.
The state has gone nearly two years without an approved budget plan.
