History shows Illinois politicians favor tax hikes over spending reform, and the Tollway and 2011 income tax battle offer examples of the dangers taxpayers face when politicians toy with a temporary tax hike.

Seven days of special session have cost Illinois taxpayers an additional $350,000 for less than 2 hours of work.

Six days of special session have cost Illinois taxpayers an additional $300,000 for less than 100 minutes of work.

Five days of special session have cost Illinois taxpayers an additional $250,000 for less than 90 minutes of work.

Four days of special session have cost Illinois taxpayers an additional $200,000 for less than 80 minutes of work.

Three days of special session have cost Illinois taxpayers $150,000 for less than an hour of work.

The measure would set a week aside to honor and appreciate the staff of MacNeal Hospital. The state continues without a budget.

Lawmakers passed a resolution to issue commemorative medallions while the state continues to go without a budget.

Less than 43 minutes of work over two days has cost Illinois taxpayers $100,000.

Madigan has stared down Gov. Bruce Rauner for more than 700 days and Rauner just blinked.