As you read above, the Illinois General Assembly ended its regularly scheduled spring session Sunday.  The Senate and House both advanced a large chunk of bills comprising a $36.3 billion budget, backed by Democrats, which would send more than $3 billion above what the state is expected to take in in revenue this year.  During both the Senate and House floor debate on the budget, democrats said that both chambers would be back in Springfield over the summer to fill the gap with new revenue.  Democrats wouldn’t get specific on the new revenue details.  Many Springfield insiders think that Speaker Madigan and Senate President Cullerton will try and raise the state income tax from it’s current 3.75% to 4.50 or 4.75%. 

 

With such a large budget gap, Gov Rauner has been expected to launch a multi-million advertising blitz against the speaker and other democrats.  If true, it will be like nothing anyone has seen around the captiol.

 

As of right now, Speaker Madigan has scheduled the House to be in session for this coming Thursday.  Senate President Cullerton also has scheduled the Senate to be in session next Monday the 9^th.