Moody’s clears the air: Illinois under review for possible downgrade to ‘junk’ status because of debt crisis
Moody’s clears the air: Illinois under review for possible downgrade to ‘junk’ status because of debt crisis
Though the Illinois House of Representatives appears close to overriding Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of a tax hike budget plan, and thereby ending Illinois’ more than two years without a full-year budget, Moody’s Investors Service has said it might still downgrade the state’s credit, largely due to Illinois’ unsustainable debt.
By Michael Lucci
Moody’s warns Illinois budget proposal may not be enough to avoid junk rating
Moody’s warns Illinois budget proposal may not be enough to avoid junk rating
Moody’s Investors Service said simply passing a budget won’t be enough to avoid junk because it doesn’t address Illinois’ many crises.
By Ted Dabrowski, John Klingner
Rauner’s veto statement explains why governor vetoed Illinois tax hikes, budget measure
Rauner’s veto statement explains why governor vetoed Illinois tax hikes, budget measure
In a statement to the General Assembly July 4, Rauner listed the reasons why he vetoed the budget.
By Marianna Schmiesing
Illinois House lacks quorum for second consecutive day
Illinois House lacks quorum for second consecutive day
The Illinois House of Representatives has lacked a quorum for two straight days, rendering it unable to vote to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of the tax hike and budget plan passed by the General Assembly. The Illinois Senate passed the budget plan and tax hike and overrode the governor’s veto on July 4.
By Eric Kohn
Madigan schedules July 6 vote to override Rauner’s income tax veto
Madigan schedules July 6 vote to override Rauner’s income tax veto
The House will need 71 “yes” votes to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of a permanent 32 percent income tax hike. The July 2 vote to pass the tax hike received 72 yeas.
‘Illinois math’ in one tweet
‘Illinois math’ in one tweet
The Land of Lincoln needs to end the phony math and restructure its debts and pensions. But legislative incompetence will keep the state in a death spiral.
By Michael Lucci
Illinoisans are still waiting for their independence
Illinoisans are still waiting for their independence
House Speaker Mike Madigan can seem like the only state lawmaker in the Land of Lincoln.
By Austin Berg
Rauner vetoes permanent tax hikes, Senate overrides
Rauner vetoes permanent tax hikes, Senate overrides
The Illinois General Assembly passed a budget, including the largest permanent tax hike in state history, without structural spending reforms. Gov. Bruce Rauner vetoed the plan on Independence Day, and the Senate voted to override the governor’s veto. The package now heads to the House for an override vote.
By Austin Berg
Illinois Senate passes permanent income tax hike to governor’s desk
Illinois Senate passes permanent income tax hike to governor’s desk
The Illinois Senate on July 4 approved the House’s budget plan, which Gov. Bruce Rauner has said he will veto.
By Austin Berg
Illinois state Rep. Chad Hays won’t seek re-election in 2018
Illinois state Rep. Chad Hays won’t seek re-election in 2018
Hays is one of 15 Illinois House Republicans who voted for a permanent income tax hike.
By Eric Kohn
McSweeney files bill to repeal Illinois House’s permanent income tax hike
McSweeney files bill to repeal Illinois House’s permanent income tax hike
The Illinois House on July 2 passed Senate Bill 9, which includes a 32 percent income tax hike. State Rep. David McSweeney filed a bill that would repeal that permanent tax hike should it become law.
By Austin Berg
Illinois’ gasoline taxes make summer road trips pricier
Illinois’ gasoline taxes make summer road trips pricier
Though U.S. gas prices have dropped to near all-time lows, Illinois’ state and local taxes make gas costlier in the Land of Lincoln than in neighboring states.
By Marianna Schmiesing
Illinois lawmakers hike 911 fees statewide, override Rauner’s veto
Illinois lawmakers hike 911 fees statewide, override Rauner’s veto
Gov. Bruce Rauner issued an amendatory veto nixing fee hikes from a 911 service reauthorization bill lawmakers sent to his desk, noting Illinoisans already pay some of the nation’s highest taxes on their cellphones. But those fee hikes will become law, as lawmakers have voted to override the governor’s veto.
By Austin Berg