By Susan Stephens
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wnij/local-wnij-939782.mp3
DeKalb, IL – Illinois is halfway through another fiscal year and already billions of dollars behind on its bills. State officials estimate a budget deficit of as much as 15-billion dollars next year. Lawmakers have looked at a combination of cuts, reforms, and revenue increases to pull the state out of this financial crisis. Illinois has one of the lowest state income tax rates in the nation but raising it is politically unpopular. Today, we kick off a week-long series on Illinois's income tax. WNIJ's Susan Stephens reports.