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House Budget Proposals Barely Passing

Illinois State Capitol
Illinois Public Radio

The Illinois House is passing budget bills, but just barely.
 

They've spent Thursday acting on 70 bills; of those that have gone through so far, most passed with 60 votes - the minimum needed. They contained budgets for agencies such as the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Democratic State Representative John Bradley of Marion commends those who put together the budget for the Illinois State Board of Education.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn says he's working with lawmakers on passing what he calls a "responsible budget."

It comes as Republicans have criticized the spending plans as unconstitutional.

Members of the House of Representatives spent most of Thursday approving spending plans for the next year. Except they haven't taken up the most controversial part - how to pay for it. Governor Quinn wants lawmakers to keep the income tax rate where it is - even though the tax rate is scheduled to drop next year.
 
"This is a very intense time and I plan to be talking to legislators until we get the job done. And that's what we have to do in life: get the job done."
 
But the top House Republican - Jim Durkin - says the higher income tax rate hasn't solved the state's financial problems.
 
"We still have $5 billion dollars of unpaid bills. What structural deficit has been fixed? Someone needs to explain that to me and also the members of our caucus. Nothing has been fixed. We've been downgraded more times than I can count."
 
The spending plans passed by House Democrats still need the support of the Senate.

 

 

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