Senate Overrides Rauner's Veto of Illinois Budget Plan, Tax Hike

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Hours after Governor Bruce Rauner vetoed the Illinois spending plan and income tax increase, the Senate voted to override his vetoes. The override, which took place on Independence Day, may help to end a budget deadlock that has plagued Illinois for two years.

The Senate approved the 32% income tax hike by a 36-18 vote, which was promptly vetoed by Rauner. In a Facebook video post Monday, Rauner called the tax hike and budget bill "a repeat of the same policies that created this financial crisis." "The legislature could have passed a no tax hike, no reform balanced budget two years ago. Instead, they allowed Mike Madigan to play his political games, passed phony budgets, racked up our debt and inflicted pain on the most vulnerable."

In response to Rauner's vetoes, the Illinois Senate responded with a lightning-fast override.

Democratic Senator Don Harmon, of Oak Park, called Rauner's veto "unbelievable, hypocritical and irresponsible." Of the Senate override, he said, "This afternoon, the Senate overrode Gov. Rauner’s reckless veto of our responsible, balanced budget with bipartisan support. We put our duty to protect Illinois and its residents above petty, partisan politics."

He added, "We invite Gov. Rauner to come in from the campaign trail and do the same."

House Speaker Madigan and many representatives, including Republican leader Jim Durkin are not present at the Capitol due to the Independence Day holiday. As a result, the House is set to convene Thursday to vote whether to override Rauner's vetoes.