During a lame duck session, the Illinois General Assembly approved a temporary increase in the state income tax along with a series of spending restrictions designed to bring financial stability to the state. The passage of the revenue package is the culmination of the efforts of the Responsible Budget Coalition, an unprecedented coalition of anti-poverty, human services, education, labor, good government, seniors and faith-based advocates.
John Bouman, president of the Shriver Center and frequent contributor to Say Ahhh!, was intensely involved in the efforts. Here’s what he had to say about the revenue package (that included cuts to Medicaid):
