The Illinois General Assembly is just three days away from the traditional deadline for passing a budget. The Democratic majority in the Illinois House is wrestling with what to do. State Representative Jay Hoffman, from Swansea, says his fellow Democrats are divided about what to cut and whether to raise taxes.
“That’s a very difficult process, because we have 67 members that are from all parts of the state, have different priorities, believe that we should go about this differently. And to be quite honest with you, the governor has been non-existent in attempting to help.”
Governor Bruce Rauner has vowed to veto a tax hike unless legislators also approve his business and political agenda, including a property tax freeze. The legislative session is scheduled to end May 31. Illinois has not had a full budget in nearly two years.