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* The Senate has approved SB 9, which is the tax hike and revenue bill. The bill received 32 votes - all Democrats. Follow along with our live coverage post by clicking here.
…Adding… SB 6, which is the omnibus appropriations bill, has passed with 33 votes and no debate.
*** UPDATE 1 *** ILGOP…
“Senate Democrats’ decision to ram through multiple tax hikes outside a comprehensive jobs and reform package confirms that the entire Democratic Party’s position is to raise taxes while protecting the status quo. First Mike Madigan made clear real reform is not an option, then Democratic candidates for governor began campaigning on raising taxes without reform, and now the Senate Democrats are falling in line. The Democrats moved forward an agenda today that raises income taxes, expands the sales tax and ensures property taxes keep rising.” – Illinois Republican Party Spokesman Steven Yaffe
In 2015, Mike Madigan stated his desire to raise the income tax to 5 percent without reform.
In 2016, Democrats refused to even send Gov. Rauner a balanced budget or pass reforms that voters from both sides support.
And in 2017, Democratic candidates for Governor latched onto the Madigan position – tax hikes without reform.
The News-Gazette notes, J.B. Pritzker “supports a substantial increase in the state income taxes… Pritzker recently told a group of party members that the state income tax should be increased to at least 5 percent, perhaps higher.”
Pritzker now says he opposes a property tax freeze.
Chris Kennedy called reforms to fix Illinois “Bullsh#t” and “stood with Speaker Madigan” against a balanced budget with spending caps and reform.
Daniel Biss, who ran Mike Madigan’s Super PAC, even said he’s open to the idea of taxing retirement income.
And Ameya Pawar believes that “most people will tell you they’re willing to pay more taxes.”
Democratic candidates for Governor support tax hikes without reform. Now, the Senate is following suit.
*** UPDATE 2 *** Press release…
Speaker Michael J. Madigan issued the following statement Tuesday regarding budget bills passed by the Senate:
“The appropriations measures passed by the Senate will be thoughtfully considered by the House Democratic Budget Working Group headed by Representative Greg Harris. Since the beginning of the session, a working group made up of Representatives Harris, Carol Ammons, Kelly Burke, Kelly Cassidy, Fred Crespo, Will Davis, Robyn Gabel, Will Guzzardi, Lisa Hernandez, Elaine Nekritz, Elgie Sims and Michael Zalewski has worked diligently on state budget issues, including passage of a Lifeline Budget. They will thoroughly review the Senate’s proposal and consider it as part of our efforts to pass a full-year balanced budget that will end the budget impasse.”
…Adding… Rauner…
Let me be clear, to get my signature, any agreement must include real property tax relief. #Twill https://t.co/7SwClhRYAE
— Bruce Rauner (@BruceRauner) May 23, 2017
*** UPDATE 3 *** SGOP Leader Christine Radogno…
My Caucus and I cannot support the Senate Democrats’ budget and revenue package in its current form.
I truly wish we would have been able to come together on a comprehensive solution to the state’s challenges. My biggest concern has always been for the state and its people. I want to avoid further downgrades and fiscal meltdown. I want to help put Illinois on a path to stability.
We need a balanced budget. We need property tax relief. We need significant reforms to reach our goals.If this package moves to the House, I hope they can approach it in a bipartisan manner and make further progress in all those areas.”
posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:25 pm
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I’m sure they’ll be rewarded for their fiscal responsibility just as Pat Quinn was.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:28 pm
Of all the Bills to run, this wouldn’t have been on my list to force Raunerites anywhere.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:30 pm
To add, if I may,
If there was 36 votes, and it got to the House and they had 71 votes there for this too, I may look at it differently.
Now? Now I don’t look at it that way.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:31 pm
That’s the good thing about legislatures Word, unlike the executive branch you just need enough to keep majority’s in the House and Senate and not worry about one person winning or losing. And most of these elected officials are better then Pat Quinn
Comment by Epic Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:33 pm
Why on earth would they do this unless they could also point to tough cuts they were willing to make? The voters won’t mind a tax hike if they know the situation is under control. THis just gives ammo to paint them as wanting more taxes for nothing
Comment by JohnnyPyleDriver Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:34 pm
Willy, they must be confident the 32 yes votes came from senators in safe districts or are not up for reelection next year.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:36 pm
Rauner has $71 million ready to take Senators out in this, this bill that won’t be signed.
If they aren’t getting behind Pritzker now…
This may play out as an unforced error, a game changing type maneuver that Rauner will swamp.
Dunno… just dunno.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:37 pm
===…they must be confident the 32 yes votes came from senators in safe districts or are not up for reelection next year.===
Concur. Completely concur.
The problem now is the messaging, the $71 million, the Rauner re-elect, and using that to make Dems defend where they should have no worries.
Sweating out “safe” seats with putting up a half baked candidate only running in this bill… that and $750K…
I dunno, I really don’t.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:40 pm
If the only holdup is the tax freeze and that takes 3/5 anyway because it imposes on Home Rule, pass everything else now so ball is in Gov’s court with 60 days to sign as they spend June in a tax freeze staring contest.
Comment by Fax Machine Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:41 pm
For those of us with unpaid contracts, who have been going without a paycheck for months, this is a positive sign. Maybe, they put aside the politics and to honor previously made commitments. But, if the state isn’t going to honor its commitments, it’s time to cancel contracts. Illinois is expecting both services and for our financial support of these political games via our unpaid contracts and it’s beyond immoral. Time to stop this nonsense. This is a step.
Comment by CCP Hostage Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:43 pm
Just don’t get this.
Comment by A guy Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:44 pm
JohnnyPyle, there’s $3 billion in cuts in this, about the same as went up on the board last week.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:45 pm
What did Pritzker, Kennedy, and Pawar have to do with this vote? They voting in the Senate? For Yaffe: when did Rauner put up a balanced budget or pass any reforms? I must have missed those events. My local Republican rep is saying the math requires 6% regardless of the calculator.
Comment by zatoichi Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:49 pm
What a profoundly stupid move by the Senate Dems. When have elected officials ever been rewarded for doing the correct mature adult thing? Trump should be the #1 proof, with Rauner a close 2nd: voters want to be told that they can have everything they want and it won’t cost them anything. Logic? Reality? Math? Those are for political losers. Rauner’s new commercials are already cut and ready to air.
Hopefully Madigan will be smart enough to run out the clock on this one.
Comment by filmmaker prof Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:50 pm
===We need property tax relief. We need significant reforms to reach our goals.===
With all due respect, Leader Radogno…
When you tried to be the leader I know you to be, Rauner undercut you at the end. It’s not your caucus that can go along, it’s Rauner holding hostage your caucus, which makes me as sad as I am sad about this whole episode.
Your response, a pro’s response, is far better that another I read, but that’s not surprising.
You may be upset about these events, I am too, but I’d like to think we both are more upset with the Governor, and his decision to take away the chances autonomous caucuses could bring.
With sincere and great respect, Leader Radogno,
Oswego Willy
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:50 pm
Just as in Asculum in 279 bc, Pyrrhus thought he had a victory, yet it was short lived. The Dems will find 2018 to be a bitter defeat.
Comment by Texas Red Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:50 pm
“I truly wish we would have been able to come together on a comprehensive solution to the state’s challenges.”
Sen. Radogno, I know Gov. Gaslight threw you under the bus on the Grand Bargain, but still, you and your caucus have had since January. Since January, to stand up to him and work for the good of the state. You failed.
“If this package moves to the House, I hope they can approach it in a bipartisan manner and make further progress in all those areas.”
L, as they say, OL. No, unless they’ve suddenly grown a backbone, the House Raunerites will continue to be every bit as craven as the Senate Raunerites. Own it.
Comment by Nick Name Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:51 pm
This is not quite as stupid as Mr. Madigan’s $7 billion deficit budget, but pretty close.
Radogno and Rauner played Cullerton for a fool.
This will cost Senate Dems seats and may give Rauner a second term.
Comment by Gooner Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:54 pm
–Just as in Asculum in 279 bc, Pyrrhus thought he had a victory,..—
LOL. Pretentious — moi?
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:57 pm
=== Let me be clear, to get my signature, any agreement must include real property tax relief. ===
So his agenda is now down to a single item?
Comment by Louis Capricious Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:57 pm
Has Cullerton held a presser, or at least issued a statement today explaining why, today, it was time to expose the Raunerites as the obstructionists? Where is the Democrats’ communications strategy?
Without one, they’re going to get slaughtered…
Comment by IRLJ Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:58 pm
“So his agenda is now down to a single item?”
It is for today. Check back tomorrow.
Comment by Blue Bayou Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:59 pm
= Let me be clear, to get my signature, any agreement must include real property tax relief. =
Here’s a daring idea, why don’t the Dems (either chamber) dust off the tax swap proposed by Netsch in 1994 and co-opted by Gov. Edgar a couple years later? It’s the one and only way to actually reduce, not just freeze, property taxes.
Comment by cover Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 4:59 pm
To Rauner’s Tweet…
Let ME be clear; holding the state hostage for something unmeasurable in the budget is now officially on you, Governor.
Oh, so I really am clear, governor, will this “must” also include prevailing wage and collective bargaining prongs? Just so I’m clear in my thinking. It may not, but if you’re going full on ultimatum, I wanna know.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 5:00 pm
=== Let me be clear, to get my signature, any agreement must include real property tax relief. ===
Sweet. Less than 10% of my school districts’ education funding comes from the state.
So what percentage is Rauner proposing to bump up state funding for Oak Park schools? 30%? 40%?
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 5:00 pm
Rauner needs to place his signature as a veto on the bills. I would suggest the House Dems do a thorough look at the bills, concur, vote ( I’m sure without any Republican votes), send it to Rauner and let him gloat. He’ll move the goalpost fro property taxes to some other “reform”. Radogno’s response tells me that. Theses hard votes the Dems in the Senate just took were needed. After his vetoes, take the override votes and we’ll be able to see exactly which legislators care more about the State of the State than their own hands out to Rauner.
Comment by Anon221 Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 5:03 pm
I would be willing to pay more taxes if every new dollar in tax revenue was used solely to pay past due bills and reduce the deficit — of course, that was the false promise of the temporary income tax hike last time. Our legislators are addicted to spending and kicking the can down the road. It has to stop.
Comment by Say What? Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 5:04 pm
–I would be willing to pay more taxes if every new dollar in tax revenue was used solely to pay past due bills and reduce the deficit — of course, that was the false promise of the temporary income tax hike last time.–
The backlog in bills was reduced from $10B to $4.6B.
You can look it up, if you’d like. But that would probably spoil a fun tantrum.
Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 5:07 pm
Kudos to the Senate, they passed a balanced budget, they did cuts, and saved higher education, social services and they are trying to end the longest budget impasse in the country
Comment by Austinman Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 5:21 pm
I would more than happy to pay the extra taxes if it helps put out the house fire that is Illinois.I say kudos to the Illinois Senate.
Comment by Saluki Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 5:21 pm
Great timing Dems! This comes up just as people are waking up to the new July 1 Cook County pop/beverage tax which is not so popular either.
Comment by Responsa Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 5:23 pm
Lets not all forget that the house supposedly passed a property tax freeze bill. So if they add that property tax freeze bill to this budget once it reaches the house what then will Rauner say then? I’m sure he will then say he won’t sign off on the bill unless term limits or something else is in the bill.
If they do add the property tax freeze to the bill it will only help the dems in 2018 by decreasing Rauners attack ammo. Rauner wants to play a victim and he is using property taxes as one of his main items to claim the dems won’t let him freeze them even though he knows it will hurt schools. It’s just the fact that it’s popular that he is using it against the dems.
Comment by Real Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 6:01 pm
This might be a step on the only available path to a balanced budget, and to prevent further state destruction — but there’s no way to make this politically palatable.
Comment by walker Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 6:43 pm
Now the other side of the coin…
SDems own the message that they alone were responsible enough to try to save the state while Gov. Rauner and Republicans find no reason to join the SDems to save social services, higher education, the credit rating of Illinois, and plan ahead for another year.
SDems can go after downstate Republicans for things they voted “No” that this budget contained.
SDems can point to schools that Republicans by voting “No” votes to hurt, not the best look either.
If this package stays intact enough that this whole “mess” evolves into legislation Rauner can veto, along with HB40, allowing Rauner to be framed, not only with a Social Agenda, but the obstruction to Illinois finally getting a budget.
It’s doable, politically, and with other factors, dangerous for Rauner, but Rauner sitting on $71 million, just today and “infinity” yet to be tapped, the SDems need to count on HDems to get together and get “this” to the desk of the Governor, and parlay it with HB40, to complete the painting and the political corner Rauner and the Raunerites might face.
…
Oh, and about $100 million would help too.
“Stay tuned”
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 6:44 pm
If. If there is no end to the madness til Jan. Of 2019, the next governor will have to beg Congress for bankruptcy protection. Republican, Democrat, it won’t matter. The situation will have deteriorated so much, no amount of tax increase will solve our problem.
Does anyone think this has been Rauners plan all along?
Comment by blue dog dem Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 6:52 pm
Yes, this is a politically dangerous move. Too bad people can’t act like adults. The gov and legislators for not making the hard decisions to address state problems and voters who gravitate to those pandering politicians.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 7:00 pm
This is the right thing to do. And not even very risky at this point, 2.5 years into no budget.
Comment by peon Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 7:15 pm
Maybe I am naive but I don’t see this vote as being the end of Senate D’s. Everyone who has been paying half attention to what has been going on knows there is no way out of this mess without a tax increase. Ask the vendors who have been waiting for the state to pay them. Ask the social service providers who are waiting. Ask anyone in Macomb or Charleston. We can not get out of this mess without a tax increase.
I listened to Sen. Toi Hutchinson and her “closing remarks” on this bill and I thought she was spot on. Hopefully someone will put it out there on YouTube because it’s worth hearing.
I’m hopeful OW and “the other side of the coin” post is how this plays out. Quite frankly, I feel like Rauner has burned enough bridges and taken enough hostages that I don’t see how any reasonable person could vote for him again. I won’t even factor in IL being a blue state, 2018 is the midterm election for a R President, etc.
Comment by Cardsfan Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 7:51 pm
I see Biss and Pawar jumped all over this. No mention of a sunset after Progressive tax increase. Reaffirms my belief that Dems aren’t any different than Repubs when it comes to sticking it to the little guy.
Comment by blue dog dem Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 8:02 pm
@blue dog dem
. Reaffirms my belief that Dems aren’t any different than Repubs when it comes to sticking it to the little guy.
————–
Yet, when the dems voted on a graduated income tax plan it was over 60 dem votes in favor and 0 republican votes in favor… This reaffirms my belief that republicans are the ones sticking it to the little guy. How so? If a few republicans had supported the graduated income tax plan the numerous times it had votes we would not be in this situation today.
Comment by Real Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 8:09 pm
I don’t get the politics of this move. I get the responsibility, but as Word said right at the top, politicians don’t get rewarded for being the responsible ones. They just don’t. I’m sure there’s logic here and I’m sure Rich will share their logic in the morning. But in the meantime, I see no messaging from Senate Ds to counter Rauner, Radogno and the Rs disinegnuousness. I’m hopeful I’m just missing something.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 8:10 pm
- Cardsfan -
To the “other side of the coin”,
That could be very hurtful to Rauner, Raunerites… but also Social Services, Higher Ed, state agencies, because Rauner will veto, if it even gets thru the House at this point, then there’s also no chance for an override too.
That’s why I called it a “mess”.
So, we have the House taking this, Rauner already threatening vetoes, no Raunerite help in the House either, a whole 10 months until the Primary, 7 months until petitions.
It all comes back to 60, 30, signature… or 71, 36, veto and 71, 36 all over again.
This time? There’s no 71, heck, there no 36 either.
The politics allow “the other side of the coin”… the politics about it, but the rub… Illinois is still hurting, Rauner likes that, so do Raunerites, so that “other side” better be the right call, cause Illinois could be without that needed budget.
It’s a “mess” - Cardsfan -… the hope may just be this “mess”… but that’s no consolation to everyone hurting, hurt, or for Illinois.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 8:17 pm
If this passes both chambers (possibly with some modifications), then how is it that the opposition party is not boxed in? Are they will to take blame for schools not opening in the fall?
Comment by east central Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 8:23 pm
Real. SenDems just crafted a budget likely to get a gov veto. Put the darn progresive tax with it. Make it the sole issue of the 2018 campaign. But Dems, like Repubs don’t care.
Comment by blue dog dem Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 8:23 pm
What was that babout gerrymandering being irrelevant to “substantive” politics?
Comment by lake county democrat Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 8:28 pm
- east central -
May depend what eventually gets sent to the Governor.
I dunno right now what any school opening looks in the end right now. Doesn’t mean there are avenues for multiple type outcomes.
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 8:33 pm
OW-
Insightful and accurate as always.
The veto is inevitable, regardless of how the House votes. I just hope JB and the rest of the Dem’s can spread the message that this mess is because of the Gov and the Raunerites he controls. The hurting, the suffering. That we’re in worse shape now than we were in 2014.
“Governor’s own” That’s the message. Yell it loud from the roof tops! Let’s just hope it doesn’t get buried in the $71M messaging from the other side.
Always appreciate your insight, OW.
Comment by Cardsfan Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 8:36 pm
(Tips cap, humbly, to - Cardsfan -)
Comment by Oswego Willy Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 8:42 pm
“I see no messaging from Senate Ds to counter Rauner”
Exactly–and I see no Democratic agenda to counter and compete against Rauner either. That to me is a huge failure.
There should have been a Democratic agenda and package of policy ideas, such as progressive taxation and easing the property tax burden through more state funding of schools, government investment, protection of labor rights and even pro-business reforms, but milder ones than Rauner’s.
Who says one party should own the issues, meaning why should the Republicans own the pro-business label? Democrats have blown this. Smart politics and governance, in my opinion, is to take the issues away from opponents and try to use them to your advantage.
/rant
Comment by Grandson of Man Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 8:50 pm
Keeping people busy….
Comment by JDuc Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 9:08 pm
A if you want a good laugh, read Schimpfs response. What a mindless puppet.
Comment by blue dog dem Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 9:09 pm
Shouldn’t it be “me and my caucus”?
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Tuesday, May 23, 17 @ 10:08 pm
“If a few republicans had supported the graduated income tax plan the numerous times it had votes we would not be in this situation today.”
If a few democrats had supported the 4 year property tax freeze we would not be in this situation today.
Comment by CapnCrunch Wednesday, May 24, 17 @ 6:31 am
Propety tax freeze,shortsighted instant gratification for the masses, with no forethought of the consequences
Comment by Rabid Wednesday, May 24, 17 @ 7:38 am
TELL STEVEN RIKE, NO MORE TAXES, ILLINOIS TAX PAYERS ARE OVER TAXED ALREADY. PLEASE. NO MORE TAXES.
Comment by MAY PETERS Thursday, May 25, 17 @ 9:21 am