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Senator Sullivan Says Drastic Cuts Ahead If Tax Hike Expires

A western Illinois lawmaker is warning of dire consequences if the temporary income tax increase is allowed to expire.

Senator John Sullivan (D-Rushville) says there are more needs than resources available. And losing revenue would force more reductions.

“We’re looking at some pretty drastic cuts to a lot of different programs including education, including Western Illinois University including all the community colleges. It’s a tough scenario.”

Public universities are also cautioning against further cuts to education. Western Illinois University President Jack Thomas says they’ve lost $11.6 million in state funding over the last 12 years. And he says the state still owes Western 20 million dollars for this fiscal year.

Governor Pat Quinn supports making the 5-percent tax rate permanent. He says without it, Illinois will have 2-billion dollars less in revenue for next fiscal year.  

Many Republicans oppose extending the tax rate including the party’s nominee for governor Bruce Rauner.

Emily Boyer is a former reporter at Tri States Public Radio.