Dozens of spending measures were introduced in the Illinois House Tuesday. They are said to be the framework for next year's state budget.
There are variations, but the measures introduced by House Democrats are in line with Gov. Pat Quinn's proposed budget.
Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills):
"It's very clear, this is all predicated on the assumption that they're going to raise the income tax rate again at some point."
As in, it relies on Illinois continuing to tax income at 5 percent.
Except, Illinois' income tax rate will drop to 3.75 percent halfway through the next fiscal year unless legislators vote to extend it.
And there's no indication Democrats, who hold supermajorities in the House and Senate, have the votes to do that.
Democratic Rep. Fred Crespo, chairs an appropriations committee.
"You just get to this paralysis by analysis where nothing happens. At some point you have to move the ball forward," Crespo said.
Crespo says legislators are doing a lot of "soul searching."