House Republicans have put forward their first stab at a tax overhaul bill, and while some parts have been long-promised — fewer brackets, a steep corporate tax cut — there were a few surprises, like the fact that the new bill doesn't touch 401(k) savings rules.

President Trump and GOP congressional leaders have outlined their plan for the most sweeping overhaul of the federal tax code in more than three decades. They're proposing deep cuts in both individual and corporate tax rates, saying that will help supercharge a slow-growing economy.

With the dysfunction in Illinois politics, state government this year is projected to spend as much as $13 billion more than it will collect in taxes. And the situation could be getting worse.

Despite recent hype over the possibility of legislators putting questions on the November ballot to change the constitution, the Illinois House adjourned Wednesday without even voting on proposed amendments. Their lack of action means voters won't be asked whether they want to change how they're taxed.

Illinois is one of only eight states with a flat income tax. The reasons can be traced to the state’s first-ever successful attempt at putting an income tax in place. An effort to change the current tax structure is underway, but supporters face a fast-approaching deadline.