Taxes

Credit houses send Illinois positive financial signals

Two of the nation's top credit-rating houses smiled favorably on Illinois' financial outlook Monday following votes the previous day in the House of Representatives to end the nation's longest budget standoff.

Maine governor: Put aside 'petty egos' and send me a budget

Republican Gov. Paul LePage urged lawmakers on Sunday to put aside "petty egos" and send him a budget as a legislative panel sought common ground on a proposal promoted by House Republicans who torpedoed the previous spending bill.

Some Republicans defy Gov. Rauner and back tax increases

The Illinois House approved $5 billion income tax increase on Sunday, followed by a spending plan for the new fiscal year, with some Republicans defying Gov. Bruce Rauner and joining Democrats in a dramatic step to break the nation's longest-running budget stalemate.