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Chicago Tribune: Illinois House Democrats divided on whether to pass tax hike Rauner vows to veto
The Illinois House was back in session Sunday as doubts remain about whether Democrats who control the chamber can unite behind a budget to pay for schools, universities and social service programs.
There is much to figure out between now and Wednesday’s scheduled adjournment, and at the top of that list is whether there’s enough support among House Democrats for the tax hikes needed to help balance the books. It’s a politically risky move many are reluctant to take amid opposition from Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, whose vast wealth is already being tapped by the Illinois Republican Party to fund advertisements and robocalls targeting potentially vulnerable Democrats.
Chicago Sun-Times: House Dems dissect budget, tax hike; budget director vows Rauner veto
House Democrats continued mulling a controversial tax increase and a spending plan behind closed doors on Sunday, as the clock ticked and as state universities and agencies reminded lawmakers of the dire consequences of having no budget deal.
House lawmakers spent Sunday in committees, and for just over an hour on the House floor, despite the impending Wednesday night legislative deadline amid the historic budget impasse.
NBC 5 Chicago: Illinois Democrats Short on Votes to Pass Tax Hike: Report
State legislators are meeting this holiday weekend in Springfield as they try to come to an agreement on a new budget, but one of the Democrats’ key initiatives is reportedly in big trouble.
According to NBC 5, Democrats held a caucus on Sunday night in Springfield, and only 46 representatives are planning to vote for a tax hike that the Senate passed last week. In order to pass the legislation out of the House, 60 votes would be needed, leaving Democrats well short of that mark.
Illinois News Network: Rep. Ives blasts House Dems, says Illinoisans don't want massive tax hike
State Rep. Jeanne Ives on Sunday blasted her Democrat colleagues in the Illinois House for removing her as chief sponsor of a Senate bill that would increase taxes on Illinoisans by more than $5 billion.
Democrats, Ives said, “used a procedural move to take this bill from me, which must mean their only intent is a massive tax hike of over $5.4 billion on the hardworking folks in Illinois.”
State Journal-Register: All options remain on table as budget talks continue
With the days running out to avoid sending the spring session into overtime, the top House Democrat budget negotiator said everything remains on the table, including another short term plan that Gov. Bruce Rauner has said he will not accept.
Rep. Greg Harris, D-Chicago, said House Democrats also have raised questions about some of the savings the Senate Democrats counted on to balance the $37.3 billion spending plan the chamber approved last week.
State Journal-Register: Odds against Springfield casino after amendment blocked
Chances of a Springfield casino took a major hit Sunday when a House committee blocked an amendment to add the casino to an omnibus gambling expansion bill.
Rep. Tim Butler, R-Springfield, had filed an amendment to Senate Bill 7 to add a Springfield casino to the five others authorized by the bill.