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Senate Leader: Begin Moving 'Grand Bargain' Today — Or 'Just Go Home'

Christine Radogno
Brian Mackey
/
NPR Illinois
Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno speaks with reporters in this file photo.

Members of the Illinois Senate return to Springfield Tuesday. They’re once again expected to vote on a deal meant to end Illinois’ budget stalemate.

The top Republican and Democrat in the Senate have been working on this compromise since December.

It has changes to Illinois law meant to help businesses, higher income taxes meant to begin balancing the state budget, and a property tax freeze.

Senate Republicans have been reluctant to seal the deal — wanting to make sure they were getting enough of their priorities in exchange for their votes on a tax hike.

But earlier this month on WGN radio, caucus leader Christine Radogno said time is running out.

“If we don’t get this moving by the 28th, we may as well just go home," Radogno said. "And then at that point, Mike Madigan can figure out what he’s going to do."

One of the problems is the proposed income tax increase. It’s supposed to be retroactive to January, so the more Illinois has to make up for lost time, the bigger the bite will be from this year's remaining paychecks.

Brian Mackey formerly reported on state government and politics for NPR Illinois and a dozen other public radio stations across the state. Before that, he was A&E editor at The State Journal-Register and Statehouse bureau chief for the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin.
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