Rumblings From Springfield

Just a couple of weeks after Governor Blagojevich's State of the State Address loaded with pleas for tax rebates for children and increased state spending with no signs of new revenue, the Illinois Senate seems to be supporting higher taxes. The Senate Education Committee passed SB 2288 to the floor of the Senate this week. This is a new version of a “tax swap” bill similar in some ways to HB 750 that has been floating about for the past three years. This new bill, sponsored by Senator James Meeks (D-Chicago), passed from committee to the floor on a 6-3 vote along party lines. This action may signal that change is coming even in an election year!

While there are and will be many questions about SB 2288 it signals a change in atmosphere in the Capital. Schools will continue to worry about any “tax swap” plans, seeking assurances that all revenues will return to local districts as property taxes are reduced and income tax increased. I find it curious that Senate President Emil Jones is listed as a co-sponsor of this bill. Last year he steadfastly supported Governor Blagojevich in his stand against higher taxes and supporting increased gambling and borrowing as a way to solve the state's fiscal crisis.

Now watch what happens! Perhaps legislators have become more “open minded” about funding reform and have grown increasingly allergic to the antics of the Governor. Perhaps it is just time for something to be done in 2008 even with elections coming in the fall. Maybe the potential for a Democratic landslide in the fall that could carry Democratic legislators to victory encourages them to move forward and try to improve the fiscal crisis we face. The prospect of a capital bill in the mix should entice some Republican support which will be needed for any significant change. Most legislators have debated school funding and support fixing the system but have been unable to agree on the methodology to accomplish this task. I think this legislative session will continue to be very interesting. Stay tuned!