The Senate spent part of Independence Day quickly approving three bills that would increase taxes and provide $36 billion in spending for Illinois.
Newly selected Senate Minority Leader Bill Brady (R-Bloomington) argued that the collection of bills was not ready for a vote and much more work was needed.
“It’s regrettable that I stand today not capable of supporting this package,” Brady said. “Not necessarily because what’s in the package is bad, but because it is incomplete. We need a comprehensive solution for this state. We’ve negotiated in good faith on a comprehensive solution, and I regret to say that we have not come to a conclusion for that comprehensive solution.”
Bill Brady
Although Illinois has entered its third straight year without a full budget, Brady argued for a 'no' vote and urged lawmakers to go back to the table to negotiate reforms and provide relief to taxpayers.
“We need to address the issue of property taxes, the burden they placed on your constituents and mine, the burden they placed on businesses,” Brady said. "We need to still address workplace reforms that will not only bring jobs but keep jobs in Illinois. We need to address consolidation, and we need to address school reforms as indicated in this package of bills. I regret that I can’t support a comprehensive package today, and I hope and trust, based on conversations I’ve had with members on both sides of the aisle, that we will be able come together to complete our work.”
SB9 is a revenue bill that would collect $5.4 billion from permanent tax increases of 32 percent. Personal state income tax rates would go to 4.95 percent from 3.75 percent and corporate tax rates would increase to 7 percent from 5.25 percent. It passed 36-18.
SB6 would provide more than $36 billion in funding to the state. It passed 39-14.
SB42 is the "paperwork" bill that would begin implementing the budget, diverting the necessary funds to the programs and services in the state.
There was little to no debate on the bills as the Senate rushed on a vote.
Four Republicans supported SB 6: Sens. Neil Anderson (R-Rock Island), Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg), William “Sam” McCann (R-Carlinville ) and Dale Righter (R-Mattoon). Only Righter voted for SB9, saying his district needs a balanced budget and “in the end, you vote your district.”
The bills now await a signature or a veto from Gov. Bruce Rauner. If signed, they would go into effect immediately.
Alerts Sign-up