Illinois lawmakers have approved a new budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1st. The nearly $40-billion dollar budget includes $375-million dollars in additional funds for education, plus money to fully-fund the state’s share of this year’s pension contribution.
As lawmakers worked to wrap up the spring session the Illinois Senate approved a $45-billion dollar public works construction program. Money to pay for it would come from raising the state’s gas tax from 16 to 38-cents a gallon, increasing the vehicle registration fee to $150, and raising the tax on cigarettes by a dollar a pack. Lawmakers decided not to add more taxes on cable and satellite services.
‘’Raising taxes on both gas and cigarettes at the same time is an enormous hit for consumers and will prove disastrous for businesses across Illinois, particularly those along our borders,’’ said Bill Fleischli, executive vice president of Illinois Petroleum Marketers Association – Illinois Alliance of C-Stores. ‘’Over the past five years, Illinois has lost 700 gas stations and has seen a reduction of 9,000 employees in the industry,’’ added Fleischli. He says the tax increases will only result in more closings.
The Illinois Senate adjourned late Friday night with plans to return in the fall. But with the House continuing its work on Saturday, the Senators could be called back into session sooner.
One of the measures that was yet to be considered by lawmakers is the proposal to legalize sports betting and add six new casinos – including one in Danville. But both the House and Senate have approved legislation that allows for the recreational use of marijuana. Residents would be able to purchase and possess up to one ounce of marijuana if Governor JB Pritzker signs the bill – and he has already said he will sign it.
Members of the Illinois General Assembly also approved legislation that will allow voters to decide in November of 2020 whether the state should switch from a flat-rate income tax to a graduated one.
The Illinois House on Friday also approved legislation that rescinds the prohibition on some late-term abortions. State Senator Jason Barickman, a Bloomington Republican, was among those voting against it. ‘’Advocates of Senate Bill 25 have inaccurately described the legislation as little more than a technical clean-up of existing laws regulating abortions in Illinois. However, this proposal represents a radical shift in public policy that will legalize abortions at any point during pregnancy for any reason, including partial-birth abortions. I am opposed,’’ said Barickman.
Governor Pritzker has said he will sign the legislation regarding abortions.
