CHICAGO (AP) - Illinois is once again seeing a lawmaker’s legal troubles potentially tied to what gets done - and what doesn’t - at the state Capitol.
Rep. Derrick Smith’s lawyers wanted to postpone his May 28 bribery trial so he could be in Springfield to vote on “significant” legislation before the session ends May 31.
That includes a measure to make Illinois’ temporary income tax hike permanent.
But a judge in Chicago declined the request Wednesday.
That’s bad news for House Speaker Michael Madigan and other Democratic leaders struggling to get enough support to pass the tax hike. Madigan says the Chicago Democrat is among the “yes” votes.
Smith didn’t respond to a request for comment.
Republican Rep. Jil Tracy says: “Only in Illinois could you present a scenario like that.”
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