The Illinois Legislature has approved an approximately $35.7 billion budget that Democrats acknowledge is ``incomplete.''
The Senate approved the 2015 budget Friday with no GOP support. The House approved it Tuesday. Democratic Sen. Dan Kotowski calls the plan ``incomplete'' but says it's the best budget lawmakers can pass this year. Republicans call the budget irresponsible.
Democrats wanted to stop Illinois' temporary income tax increase from rolling back in January. But House Democrats didn't have enough ``yes'' votes in an election year to do so. That resulted in a budget that doesn't account for increased costs next year. Democrats say Illinois could see massive cuts and layoffs if new revenue isn't found. Republicans in the General Assembly say they fully expect Democratic leaders to push for making the income tax increase permanent after the November election.
Legislators are also considering changes to a controversial tax credit that has been demanded by several large corporations, and a billion-dollar road construction plan.
They're expected to work into the night and adjourn in the early hours of Saturday morning.
