SPRINGFIELD — House Democrats today advanced a 50 percent increase in the state income tax for two years, but final approval remains very much in doubt as the General Assembly nears its Sunday night adjournment deadline. Democrats have been unable to find enough votes in the House to raise the income tax to help plug a major budget hole and Republicans have said they aren’t ready to vote for a tax hike yet. House Democrats met for a couple hours behind closed doors on Friday but abruptly left the Capitol without taking a vote. The proposal, approved with all Democratic votes at a House committee, would generate $4.5 billion a year to help stave off massive cuts in state services, according to House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago). More from Ray Long in Clout Street on chicagotribune.com The legislation would increase the personal tax rate to 4.5 percent, up from 3 percent, for two years. It would generate about $4.5 billion to fill part of the state’s massive budget deficit. Supporters say that even with the tax increase, state spending will have to be cut significantly. Without it, vital services would have to be slashed across Illinois. Many lawmakers say a tax increase can’t pass without at least some Republican support. — Associated Press
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Ill. House committee OKs temporary income tax
