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*** UPDATED x1 - Spending bill passes with even larger margin *** House passes tax bill with strong bipartisan roll call
Sunday, Jul 2, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller * The House passed an amended SB 9 tax hike bill on a vote of 72-45 today. 15 Republicans voted for the proposal. [Click here for the roll call.] The bill now heads to the Senate. Several Republicans broke with the governor today. This bill was truly the result of a movement by the rank and file. Reps. Andersson, Bryant, Cavaletto, Davidsmeyer, Fortner, Hammond, David Harris, Hays, Jimenez, Meier, Mitchell, Phillips, Pritchard, Reis and Unes all voted for the bill. Several of those members are also members of House GOP leadership. The bill permanently raises the income tax rate to 4.95 percent. Gov. Rauner has opposed a permanent income tax hike if it’s not tied to a permanent property tax freeze. Brian Mackey hit the highlights of the bill on Twitter today. Click here for that. * Quite a few of the members who spoke in favor of the proposal were Republicans. “This is the sword I’m willing to die on,” said Rep. Mike Unes (R-East Peoria). “If it costs me my seat, so be it”…
Rep. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights), who didn’t vote on the amendment, said during a thunderous speech that he wasn’t elected to the House to preside over the financial destruction of Illinois. Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton), who voted against the bill, insisted that the state’s economy was “too weak for a tax hike”…
Another “Yes” vote, Rep. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro), described herself as being on the right and said “I hate taxes, I hate them.” But, she said, “As someone who’s on the right, who’s a fiscal conservative, we can’t have vendors, mom and pop places to be asked to do services for the state… and then after they perform those services say ‘Whoops, we don’t have the money to pay them’… and allow them to go into bankruptcy. Bryant’s voice cracked at times, said she’s probably “get primaried” for her vote, but said, ” I don’t have to own what people did before I came here, but I do have to own what’s been done the past three years.” Rep. Greg Harris, the bill’s Chicago Democratic sponsor, listed all of the calamities the state has survived, then asked as he closed debate: “If we defeat this bill tonight, will the state of Illinois survive us?” * The bill now moves to the Senate for concurrence. The bill received 32 votes last May, which was two more than required at the time. But it’ll need 36 tomorrow when the Senate returns. Sens. Tom Cullerton, Hastings, Stadelman and Morrison all voted “No” in May. Sen. Haine was absent and he’s not expected to be in Springfield tomorrow because he’s very ill. No Republicans voted for the proposal when it was last in the Senate. * This post will likely be updated with reactions from various folks. Stay tuned. *** UPDATE *** The ominibus appropriations bill just passed 81-34…  The House has adjourned until tomorrow at 10. * News coverage…
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- Fax Machine - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:31 pm:
By my calculations, 10 Dems got to vote no - got a list?
- Union thug - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:32 pm:
How what are the odds on gov vetoing the bill?
- ??? - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:35 pm:
Here’s hoping a few Senate Republicans will be inspired by the courageous votes cast by the 15 House Repubs and will vote in favor of the increase.
I NEVER thought I’d champion a tax increase, but, man, it’s time for us to get out of this mess.
- Grandson of Man - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:37 pm:
THE END? Let’s hope this is the beginning of the end of our horrible fiscal crisis and the crashing of our state’s finances that have hurt so many, from higher ed to social services to vendors not getting paid.
Thank you so very much, GOP reps who voted for this. You are the heroes today. You are an example of bravery that is necessary to begin doing great things for the state.
- btowntruth from forgottonia - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:38 pm:
union:
Will not surprise me if Rauner vetos.
The trick is whether the General Assembly overrides.
- SIU - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:38 pm:
Good for Terri Bryant. Glad to see her speak out. She had guts today.
- Fax Machine - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:39 pm:
If Rauner vetos, will he have the decency to veto immediately so the override vote can happen the next day?
- Sue - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:40 pm:
Does this revenue allow for complying with what Judge Leftist did on Friday?
- Anonymous - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:40 pm:
==How what are the odds on gov vetoing the bill?==
Or if he does anything with it
- Precinct Captain - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:41 pm:
Just want to drop a thanks to Rich for all his work keeping us informed this weekend.
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:41 pm:
I applaud the republicans who voted for it. did the right thing for the state.
- atsuishin - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:41 pm:
good god 33% percent tax increase with no change…These 15 repbulicans need to explain why the held up the budget for 2 years only to get rolled by madigan and vote for a budget quinn and madigan would have passed from the start. Ives is right pick up the stakes and leave. really hoping rauner vetoes he is the last hope.
- Rabid - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:41 pm:
Never underestimate the power of prayers
- Gruntled University Employee - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:44 pm:
To the Illinois House and Senate. Thank you for finally acting like adults.
- ToughGuy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:45 pm:
Lot of courageous votes by members tonight. Unfortunately my Rprrsentative (Bourne 95th) was not one of them.
- Fax Machine - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:47 pm:
Isn’t it a big deal that Sen Radogno retired? She likely would have voted yes on the way out, now the Dems might need every single member on this
- Anon - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:47 pm:
I love that Trip headline. Thats gonna sting Rauner.
- Scamp640 - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:47 pm:
Kudos to Norine Hammond. I know it was a tough vote for her. But she has proven herself to be an independent voice for her district.
- jw - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:47 pm:
Totally shocked Reis finally done something right for his district.
- Anonymous - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:47 pm:
Glad some have the intelligence, common sense and are willing to put on their BIg Boy Pants to save this state from further ruin. Who in heaven’s name likes to pay any taxes, let along more of them? BUt somehow, I just don’t think logical folks would believe, given the state of the state, that keeping the same amount of revenue, or as some might hope for, decreasing the amount, we would magically “come out of it” and be a leader in financial stability in a few months.
Get off the stuff and think like a human.
- Fax Machine - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:48 pm:
Skillicorn’s such a drama queen. Always has been.
- JoanP - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:49 pm:
Rep. Ives needs to take another look at her neighbors. If she thinks none of them are public sector employees, she’s blind. And how DARE she imply that public sector employees are not “hard working”? Look in the mirror, Representative.
I worked hard for 35 years as a public employee, I earned every penny of my paycheck and my pension, and this nonsense makes me very angry. (I’d use other language, but it would probably get me banned.)
- 360 Degree TurnAround - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:49 pm:
Cullerton should demand Republican votes on the tax bill.
- Ole' Nelson - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:49 pm:
Thank you to the brave Republican Representatives who did the right thing for the state of Illinois tonight! Hopefully we can hold down spending and right the ship that has been so badly damaged.
- OurMagician - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:50 pm:
Bill Mitchell a yes, Sue Scherer a no. Never would have thought that would happen. Brave Sue, real brave.
- Anon - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:50 pm:
*Trib headline
- Three-Finger Brown - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:50 pm:
I guess it’s possible that Rauner could just sit on it and let the state run out of cash, lose Medicaid coverage, allow roads to crumble etc. But that seems a bit nihilistic even for him.
- West Side the Best Side - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:51 pm:
Rich - Thanks for keeping CapFax up for the weekend and keeping us up to date and informed.
- From the 'Dale to HP - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:52 pm:
This probably gets out of the Senate, but that might be easier said than done at the moment. Who knows what the GOP Senate caucus is like right now.
Would be shocked if Rauner signs it if it gets to him. At this point, in for a $100m, in for $200m… or something. Sure looks like he’s getting nothing out of this other than maybe workers comp. Two years for workers comp. Good job. Good effort.
Of course, not sure an override will happen either. So this could all fall apart over the next few days? weeks?
Hey, but something happened! We’re a Senate vote from the ball being in Rauner’s court and he’s usually biffed it whenever the Dems return his serve. So we’ll see.
- James Knell - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:54 pm:
Thank you GOP realists!
Thank you Rich Miller & Capitol Press Corp.
Long Live Illinois!
- Anon - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:55 pm:
Any chance of posting David Harris’ floor remarks? Missed it, and evidently it stood out among the speeches. Thank you.
- Anonymous - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:55 pm:
Rep. Phillips represented EIU and his district well. Rep. Halbrook took the coward’s path as expected.
- wordslinger - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:55 pm:
It’s bizarre this is all going down without a peep from Rauner. Dude, you spent good money for the Big Chair.
Does silence mean assent or is he muscling Senate GOP members?
- Former State Employee - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:55 pm:
Help me out folks. Why did Costello vote against the revenue bill? What is going on with him. I assume there is politics at the bottom of it.
- Blue in DuPage - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:56 pm:
No surprise Rep. Breen voted no.
- Fax Machine - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 7:56 pm:
The extra votes for SB 6 come from the 10 Democrats who didn’t vote cor SB 9
- Loyalreader - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:00 pm:
Thank you to the Republicans who voted for this. I am sure it was hard but thank you. Maybe we can start to finally heal again. And thank you to Rich for keeping us informed all weekend long. Your
hard work and long hours are appreciated.
- Oswego Willy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:00 pm:
Agreed. Rauner is finally getting revenue and expenditures to run his government.
You’d think the Rauner Word Jumble would have a statement prepared.
It’s oddly quiet.
- Simple Simon - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:01 pm:
Atsuishen: “repbulicans need to explain why the held up the budget for 2 years”
Indeed. If you are thinking you are now alone, and wondering why it all happened, perhaps you need to think on that a little while longer.
- J IL - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:01 pm:
all the focus has been on the House vote but does the senate even have the number of votes needed yet?
- Responsa - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:03 pm:
The euphoria over a “budget” unfortunately will be very short term. Do people understand that this state is still in a world of hurt and beyond revenue much else needs to be done structurally and fiscally to right the ship?
- Hoping for Rational Thought - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:03 pm:
What I think is sickening is the Dems who voted no to the tax but yes for the spending. Cowardice or hypocrisy? Maybe both?
- Oswego Willy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:04 pm:
To the Post,
Thank you to the “Brave 15″.
That’s how I see you. The “Brave 15″
It’s about the now and today and tomorrow. Yep, it’s about being autonomous and understanding that the governing needs to begin, and I’m with the “Brave 15″.
Thank YOU.
My hope is that the “powers that be “realize” the good you did, and have your backs.
I’ll be watching. I hope others watch that too.
Oswego Willy
- Ginhouse Tommy - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:06 pm:
Wordslinger If GOP members break with Rauner they may incur his wrath in the coming election but they are not defenseless. They can say they voted to end the impasse and their opponent is in Rauner’s back pocket. Here’s hoping they resist the muscle.
- Pot calling kettle - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:06 pm:
EIU - Phillips; WIU - Hammond; NIU - Pritchard; SIUC - Bryant
These Republican reps recognized that the economic engines of their districts are at death’s door, especially EIU and WIU. We need more reps like them who actually represent the needs and interests of their districts as well as the state.
- Retired Govt Worker - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:06 pm:
Looks like Dems Katie Stewart and Costello voted no. Both from Metro East districts that are fairly evenly split. My guess is it’s gives them cover in 2018 election against a Rauner sponsored candidate.
- Doc Anonymous - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:07 pm:
Thanks to Terri Bryant for her brave vote tonight. And thanks to Rich for providing coverage this weekend. If Rauner sits on this he will undeniably own hundreds of layoffs, the credit downgrade, etc. Three folks in my department (long time employees) got layoff notices yesterday. This vote came too late for them (and for their students at my public university), but may prevent more self-inflicted wounds to Illinois.
- Sonny chiss - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:11 pm:
Thank you, Rep. Bryant!! Real courage shown today.
- Kfc - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:11 pm:
Thank God enough Republicans had the courage (and intellect) not to follow Rauner off the final cliff. I just wonder why they indulged him this long…
- Responsa - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:14 pm:
==My hope is that the “powers that be “realize” the good you did, and have your backs.==
Just so we’re all clear, the “brave 15″ need to have the backing of their voters –not cover from the “powers that be”.
- Uncle sams brother - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:20 pm:
I find it laughable that people here are congratulating the bravery of voting to “increase” state income tax. That’s the antithesis of bravery. Tax and spend and bravely increasing taxes is absolutely wrong.
- Joliet Orange Sox - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:26 pm:
Fortner was a NIU physics professor until very recently although he represents far west suburbs. That may be another GOP vote based on saving universities.
- Nadia - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:28 pm:
Simple, thanks to 15 Republicans who showed they had the guts to vote their Districts.
- James - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:28 pm:
HDem leadership did a tremendous job–persuasion and attention to detail–pulling this compromise together. Today’s session was inspirational.
- Just Curious - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:29 pm:
Total Hypocrisy by those that have been serving their constituency for so long.
- x ace - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:32 pm:
Agree with JW @ 7:47 above : David Reis did good
and should be commended.
- swILL - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:34 pm:
To Retired Govt Worker:Check the spelling of Rep Katie’s last name.
- Demoralized - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:36 pm:
Uncle Sam
You don’t get it. It’s painfully obvious
- Mister Whipple - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:45 pm:
So nine Rs who voted for the higher spending bill on Friday voted against a lower spending bill today? Who were they and how do they defend that backflip?
- Godzilla - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:49 pm:
A big thanks to all the brave Republicans who probably just saved Illinois from financial ruin.
- Anonymous - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:51 pm:
Status quo and things will improve in the short term and deteriote over the longer haul. Sad performance
- Captain Obvious - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:54 pm:
The brave 15 will likely be whittled down to the brave 13 come override time. Wouldn’t be countin chickens just yet.
- Retired Govt Worker - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:56 pm:
Katie Stuart, darn autocorrect, She voted no. She won over Kay and I’m sure there will be a bankrolled Rep running against her.
- Eight Zero - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 8:59 pm:
Voting against the revenue and then voting for the budget is like me writing a bad check, except for the trip to jail that I would undoubtedly have to make!
- Had to be done - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:15 pm:
I am neither Rep/dem (moderated). Thank you to the 15 rebublicans who did what was right. Those who think their was another way are crazy. Rauner will veto and seal his fate. I do believe he has the best interest of the people of Illinois. He is about the 1 percent and destroying union and higher education. Please continue the good work override the eminent veto.
- Chicago Cynic - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:16 pm:
Scott Drury voted no? Does he think he’s the new Ken Dunkin?
- G'Kar - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:17 pm:
Ah, IPI, ~30% of the Republican House members supporting the bill is more than just “little GOP support.”
And I would like to echo what others have said, Thanks, Rich for the coverage this weekend.
- Nov Man - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 9:55 pm:
David Reis should be commended!
- XDNR - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 10:11 pm:
Big thx to Rich for busting his ass to keep us all informed!!
To the post, kudos to the non Raunerite 15 to hopefully avoid Illinois’ Armageddon!
To Uncle Sams Brother, revenue is required which Rauner will own, clueless!
- Tired teacher - Sunday, Jul 2, 17 @ 10:14 pm:
Hurrah to the very brave 15. Thank you; the state needs people like you. As for the Rauner toads and Rauner; Banned word; banned word!!!!!!!!!!!!
- Anonymous - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 12:45 am:
Uncle Sam: for the record, it was tax and cut bravery.
- Anonymous - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 4:58 am:
It is not brave to tax and spend. The brave thing is to cut spending. Illinois needs an austerity budget.
- SAP - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 6:34 am:
12:45 comment was me
- eric - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 7:47 am:
Can kicked down the road. Where is the long-term thinking? Raising taxes decreases revenue. Those of us who produce and pay lots of taxes will find it economically beneficial to leave the state.
- Oswego Willy - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 7:50 am:
===Those of us who produce…===
Who is that? Be specific. Who doesn’t produce? Be specific.
- Anonymous - Monday, Jul 3, 17 @ 12:09 pm:
=== Who doesn’t produce? ===
You must be joking.