tax hike

Republican state legislators from around Chicago are pitching a plan to repeal the new sweetened beverage tax in Cook County. 

Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner lost an unprecedented battle with the "Springfield insiders" he once campaigned to dethrone when lawmakers approved a budget and $5 billion tax hike over his objections, and without the pro-business reforms the Republican promised.

The Illinois General Assembly is just three days away from the traditional deadline for passing a budget.  The Democratic majority in the Illinois House is wrestling with what to do.  State Representative Jay Hoffman, from Swansea, says his fellow Democrats are divided about what to cut and whether to raise taxes.

A credit ratings agency says for the Chicago Public Schools to work its way out of debt it must consider a property tax hike of more than $400 million annually.  Moody's Investors Service says the new tax revenue would be used to make debt payments now covered with state aid meant for the classroom. 

The Illinois house has approved a symbolic measure expressing opposition to passing an income-tax increase during a lame-duck session when fewer votes are required and outgoing legislators don't have to worry about re-election. 

Illinois is just two weeks away from going an entire year without a budget.  Lawmakers also haven't passed one for next year. Both have been caught in a political fight - with Governor Bruce Rauner holding out on a tax hike until Democrats get on board with his controversial agenda.