In Springfield, lawmakers are nearing agreement on a budget deal before Thursday’s deadline. NBC 5’s Mary Ann Ahern previews what will happen in Springfield over the next 36 hours.
The Illinois Senate has approved an annual state budget by an unlikely 56-2 margin.
Debate Wednesday night on the $38.5 fiscal blueprint involved mostly Democrats and Republicans congratulating one another for the lack of rancor that has marked budget discussions during the last three years.
Democratic Sen. Andy Manar of Bunker Hill says the proposal is about $1 billion higher than the current budget which expires June 30.
But most spending has been held at the current level and there are decreases in areas such as public safety.
Gov. Bruce Rauner's office made no comment Wednesday as the budget plan became public. It relies on $5 billion in extra revenue from an income tax increase lawmakers approved last summer over Rauner's objections.
The plan moves to the House. The Legislature is scheduled to adjourn Thursday.
