Illinois lawmakers looking at tax options

SPRINGFIELD - Some Democratic lawmakers in Illinois are pitching other options as it becomes increasingly difficult to get the 60 votes needed for the extension of the state's income tax increase.

State Sen. Dan Kotowski is a Park Ridge Democrat and appropriations chair. He says the state needs to look at other areas of revenue other than extending the tax increase.

Some members of the House expressed similar sentiments Monday during a meeting with Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn.

The tax rate is currently scheduled to drop from 5 percent to 3.75 percent for individuals in January. That would reduce state revenue next year by about $1.8 billion.

Quinn backs a $38 billion budget that would increase funding for education and other areas but relies on lawmakers making the increase permanent.