Illinois House Adjourns Friday with No Action on Budget, Ethics

The Illinois House has adjourned for the evening without voting on a proposed tax increase as Gov. Pat Quinn had requested.

Democrats say they simply lack the votes to pass a tax increase. In a private meeting, they considered several options but couldn't agree on anything.

The situation increases the possibility of lawmakers approving a budget that falls billions of dollars short of covering the state's expenses. That would require massive cuts in services to Illinois residents.

Quinn says an incomplete budget is not acceptable.

The House also took no action Friday on a bill to limit campaign contributions

The Illinois Senate passed the measure Thursday night, and lawmakers suggested it would have the necessary support in the House. The bill, which Gov. Pat Quinn also backs, could resurface on Saturday.

The reform bill limits individual contributions to $5,000 a year and $10,000 from a corporation or political organization. Illinois currently has no limits on campaign contributions.

Republicans have criticized the bill for having too many loopholes. The head of a reform commission Quinn appointed to clean up Illinois government has complained it doesn't go far enough.

Lawmakers are running out of time before the session ends on Sunday.