By Howard Packowitz

SPRINGFIELD – Gov. Bruce Rauner said on Tuesday believes the special session about to begin in Springfield may become one of the most important legislative sessions in Illinois history.

“Right now, our state is in real crisis, and the actions we take in the days ahead will determine how history remembers us,” said the Republican governor.

Rauner spoke to Illinoisans Tuesday evening from the Old State Capitol, pleading with lawmakers to adopt the Republicans proposed budget that would end what he called an “unnecessary crisis” with Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan.

However, the conservative Illinois Policy Institute, usually loyal to Rauner, blasted the budget plan because it includes a four-year income tax hike.

The governor defended the deal.

“It moves us to middle ground on key issues. It is truly balanced. It funds schools, higher education, and human services,” said Rauner. “And it provides a real path to property tax reduction,” The first-term governor also said.

Failure to pass a budget before the June 30 deadline, said Rauner, may permanently damage the state. Failure, he said, is not an option.

Howard Packowitz can be reached at [email protected]