Illinois Lawmakers Set To Advance Budget With Tax Hike

Democratic lawmakers are moving forward with a 2015 budget that is based upon an extension of Illinois' temporary income tax increase.

State Rep. Greg Harris chairs the House Human Services appropriations committee. He says the plan closely mirrors the $38 billion budget Gov. Pat Quinn outlined in March which would keep current tax rates in place. 

House lawmakers are expected to hear testimony on the budget during committee hearings Wednesday. A vote could be held in the chamber Thursday.

The state's income tax is scheduled to roll back in January, from 5 percent to 3.75 percent for individuals. That would cause an estimated loss of $1.6 billion in revenue.

Democrats, who hold veto-proof majorities in both chambers, say the rollback would decimate schools and social services.