Illinois House OKs symbolic measure opposing tax increase

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Illinois house has approved a symbolic measure expressing opposition to passing an income-tax increase during a lame-duck session when fewer votes are required and outgoing legislators don't have to worry about re-election.

Legislators approved a resolution on the matter on a vote of 87 to 12 Wednesday. Resolutions are not binding, but the vote puts lawmakers on record.

Lame-duck sessions occur for about a week in January when incumbents are still in office and before new lawmakers are sworn in. Only a simple majority is needed to pass legislation then.

Republican Rep. David McSweeney, the resolution's sponsor, opposes a tax increase and says his measure makes lawmakers accountable to voters. Democratic Rep. Jack Franks, who also backed the resolution, says retired or defeated lawmakers shouldn't "slam through" a tax hike.