Barickman: Tax increase will be outcome of budget impasse

Posted on March 30, 2016

By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – State Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) thinks he knows what the outcome of the budget stalemate will be.

“I think it would be foolish not to expect a tax increase – a revenue enhancement,” said Barickman. “Something where taxpayers pay more.”

Barickman told WJBC’s Dan Swaney the question will be whether or not that is coupled with some structural reforms the governor has been pushing.

“Two people at the top here have to walk into that room and embrace the notion that, ‘I’m going to find middle ground with the person across from me,'” he said.

Barickman added until that happens, people will continue coming forward with proposals, but no progress will be made.

The General Assembly is scheduled to return to Springfield next week. Barickman said the gridlock still remains and in the meantime the state is beginning to see more serious effects of not having a budget.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].

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