State Senators Could Vote On “Grand Bargain” Today

Members of the Illinois Senate return to Springfield Tuesday. They’re once again expected to vote on a deal meant to end Illinois’ budget stalemate.

The top Republican and Democrat in the Senate have been working on this compromise since December.

The deal has been constantly changing, but has always included an income tax increase meant to begin balancing the state budget, and a freeze on local property taxes. It also has changes to Illinois law meant to help businesses, and to let school districts save money.

Senate Republicans have been reluctant to seal the deal — wanting to make sure they were getting enough of their priorities in exchange for their votes on a tax hike.

But earlier this month on WGN radio, caucus leader Christine Radogno said time is running out.

“If we don’t get this moving by the 28th, we may as well just go home. And then at that point, Mike Madigan can figure out what he’s going to do," Radogno said.

The start date of the proposed income tax increase has been one point of contention among senators. Under the “grand bargain” proposal, it would be retroactive to January, so the more Illinois has to make up for lost time, the bigger the bite will be from this year's remaining paychecks.

The Illinois Senate is scheduled to convene at 12 P.M. Tuesday afternoon.