Lawmakers Weigh In As State Budget Deal Edges Closer


After a bruising two-year battle pitting Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan against Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner, Illinois may finally be on the brink of passing a budget.

On Tuesday, the Senate voted to override the governor’s veto of a tax hike and spending plan put forward by Democrats. If Madigan can now martial the 71 votes he needs to override a veto in the House, then a budget could finally pass.

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

That vote is expected to come Thursday.

Joining host Carol Marin to discuss where things stand are Democratic state Sen. Heather Steans, D-Chicago, and state Reps. David Harris, R-Mount Prospect, Margo McDermed, R-Mokena, and Steven Reick, R-Woodstock.


Related stories:

Tax, Budget Vote May Be Too Late for Illinois to Escape ‘Junk’ Status

July 5: Should Illinois’ credit rating be downgraded, the state would be the first in U.S. history to reach “junk” status. Get the latest news from Springfield.


Senate Overrides Rauner Vetoes, but Illinois Still Without Budget

July 4: Illinois is a single step away from having its first budget in years, after a whirlwind of Fourth of July action that saw the state Senate swiftly overriding Gov. Bruce Rauner’s vetoes of a $5 billion tax hike and $36.1 billion budget that the senators had passed just hours earlier.


Senate to Call Fourth of July Budget, Tax Vote

July 3: Illinois senators will spend Independence Day voting on a budget and income tax hike. Even if both plans pass, it doesn’t necessarily mean Illinois will get its first budget in two years.


Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors

Thanks to our sponsors:

View all sponsors