Tax Hike Vote Delayed

The sponsors of an Illinois Senate bill that would raise the state’s individual and corporate income tax last week said they have decided to delay calling the measure up for a vote until the General Assembly’s fall veto session.

The measure would raise the individual rate to 5% from 3% and the corporate rate to 8% from 4.8%.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich has vowed to veto the bill.

A separate bill that would ask voters to approve a constitutional amendment that would double the income tax on the state’s wealthiest residents failed in the House. That bill would impact about 100,000 taxpayers. Its sponsors want the additional funds to pay for public infrastructure, education, and tax relief.

Also last week, the House approved a measure that would pave the way for a public vote on a constitutional amendment that would allow for the recall of the governor. Leaders of the Senate have said they won’t call the bill up for a vote. Blagojevich’s relationship with lawmakers has grown increasingly strained as they have clashed over spending, budget, and other policy issues.

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