Top legislative leaders in Springfield are still trying to work out a way to increase taxes. It’s unsure if the General Assembly will vote on the issue before the end of the session next week. Proponents say a tax increase will help balance the state’s multi-billion dollar deficit. The measure is stalled in the state House.

Democratic Speaker Michael Madigan says that plan needs Republican support. “I think we expect that there will be some support from the other side of the aisle,” Madigan said. “It’s an interesting group of Republicans.”

GOP lawmakers oppose Madigan’s plan to cap state spending. The Senate has already approved a two percentage point tax increase. Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn repeatedly called for an income tax hike during his most recent campaign.