House Majority Leader: “It’s going to be very bad news” speaking of sales tax revenue

Posted on April 7, 2020
At small and rural schools in Illinois, the COVID-19 shutdown means some children are at risk of going hungry. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – One of the lawmakers who will have to put state finances back together says there will be no good choices.

“It’s going to be very bad news,” said House Majority Leader Greg Harris (D-Chicago), speaking of decreases in income and sales tax revenue.

Harris said it will have to be up to the federal government to help. “I think Illinois, along with all the other states, was hoping that in the last stimulus package from the federal government that there would be money to help states replace lost revenues, but there was none of that. I think a lot of eyes will be on the next stimulus package that the feds are working on.”

Harris expects the General Assembly will explore some kind of provision for holding a session remotely or virtually. Only two states have that power now.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]. 

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