By Todd Hatton / Associated Press
Springfield, IL – Time is running out on a Democratic push to fix Illinois' massive budget deficit by raising taxes. Democratic leaders want to pass an increase before noon Wednesday, when a new General Assembly will be sworn in. After that, the Democratic majority will be smaller and some lame duck legislators will be gone. Democratic Representative Frank Mautino says the governor and legislative leaders need to decide what they're going to do by this afternoon. If they don't, there may not be enough time to pass a proposed $7.5 billion tax increase. But new state Treasurer Dan Rutherford says Democrats should slow down. The Republican official says a major decision like raising taxes should wait until new lawmakers are sworn in.