By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – A flurry of activity Saturday night capped the Illinois House’s sweep of Gov. JB Pritzker’s legislative priorities for his first year in office.
A more than $40 billion budget – described as balanced – and a more than $40 billion capital construction program are the big pieces. The House also approved six new casinos (Chicago, Waukegan, southern Cook County, Rockford, Danville, and near Marion), sports betting, a doubling of the gas tax (to 38 cents) and adding a dollar per pack to the cigarette tax (to $2.98).
“We have stated that before we are going to commit to votes that our priorities, things that we felt our voices have been lost in supporting our business community, must be recognized,” said House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs). Those pieces, according to a Durkin news release, include:· Creation of the Blue Collar Jobs Act – which will attract large scale construction projects.
· Creation of a Data Center Tax Incentive – which will enhance the state’s ability to locate data centers in Illinois by providing tax incentives.
· Reinstatement of the Manufacturer’s Purchase Credit – to encourage further investments in manufacturing in Illinois.
· Elimination of the antiquated Illinois Franchise Tax.
· Elimination of cap on the Retailer’s Discount.
State Rep. Allen Skillicorn (R-East Dundee) pleaded with his colleagues to leave the gas tax where it is, saying to “think of the people.” And State Rep. David McSweeney, a reliable voice against higher taxes, said, “This is a bridge to the graduated, progressive income tax. Everybody knows that.”
Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].
