As mentioned in the last Alliance Legislative Report, the Illinois State Senate had introduced a package of bills that
contained a proposed budget compromise. The plan was to vote on the bills today
in committees and Wednesday on the Senate floor. However, with too many
questions to be asked about the mammoth legislative package, it looks as though
no votes will be taken.
Committees did meet in the Senate to discuss the provisions
of the pending compromise, but it was for discussion purposes only and no votes
were taken. The Alliance testified before the Senate Executive Committee about
the detrimental effects of a property tax freeze and the need for local
district flexibility and mandate relief. Other organizations lined up to talk
about every side of every issue.
Many provisions of the package changed today after feedback
from interest groups and further negotiations between the caucuses. The sugary
drinks tax appears to have given way to a proposed tax on services (based on
the Wisconsin model), a higher individual income tax rate, and an “opportunity
tax” that will assess a tax on corporations depending upon the size of their
payrolls. Gaming expansion may include video gaming at auto racing tracks.
The House of Representatives is moving at a more deliberate pace.
As of Monday, House committees had not even been created for members to be
appointed to. Today’s floor action has centered around the adoption of the
House rules which routinely has the minority party crying foul about unjust
treatment by the majority party.