By Howard Packowitz

SPRINGFIELD – The Democratic-dominated Illinois House, with the help of some Republicans, voted to override Governor Rauner’s veto of a budget and income tax increase.

Republican State Representative Dan Brady of Bloomington voted no, but Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan, addressing the chamber after the historic votes, said lawmakers from both parties stood together to end the 736 day budget stalemate.

Governor Rauner, who pleaded with legislators not to override his veto, said the action was “another step in Illinois’ never-ending trail of tax hikes.”

In a prepared statement, Rauner said Madigan’s “tax-and-spend plan is not balanced, does not cut enough spending or pay down enough debt, and does not help grow jobs or restore confidence in government.”

On the House floor, Brady said he’s not sure if the new budget funds the state’s priorities.

“Our priorities are public education, public infrastructure, public safety, and the most vulnerable. I’m not convinced that those dollars are going to go to those priorities in this budget,” said Brady.

Democratic State Treasurer Michael Frerichs said in a news release that the vote to override the Governor was the “only option to restore vital funding to universities, social service agencies, and try to avoid another credit downgrade.”

Frerichs said Republicans who defied the Governor showed courage.

Now that Illinois has a budget, the state lottery announced Thursday night the resumption of the Mega Millions game.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]