The Illinois Senate has approved a $5 billion income tax increase to fund what Democrats say would be a balanced, $37.3 billion budget.
A Democratic majority pushed the measures through despite opposition from Republicans.
Sen. Toi Hutchinson said there's little time left and the House must have a chance to debate the budget before the scheduled May 31 adjournment. The Olympia Fields Democrat sponsored the tax bill that increases the personal income tax from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent. Sales taxes would be applied to services for the first time.
Spending plan sponsor Sen. Heather Steans of Chicago says the $37.3 billion spending outline matches the one GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner introduced in February. She says the GOP proposed many of the $3 billion in spending reductions.
Governor Bruce Rauner says the one issue that must be addressed in any budget deal...is the high cost of property taxes in Illinois. He says he wants to make sure a property tax freeze is also passed.
Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan of Chicago released a statement saying his budget experts will carefully consider the proposals.
