Madigan predicts passage of civil unions legislation

Madigan predicts passage of civil unions legislation

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The Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives thinks the General Assembly could allow civil unions for gay couples.Democrat Michael Madigan gave his predictions about what might happen during the remainder of the fall veto session.

“I just say that based on my conversations with many people.  That… it’s an appropriate thing to do.  It’s an appropriate thing to do,” Madigan said.

Madigan also addressed the state’s budget deficit, an estimated $13.5 billion. He says it could take between three and five years to close the gap.

The Speaker says cuts need to be coupled with a tax increase. But he wouldn’t say if an income tax hike proposal would be called for a vote during this session.