Illinois is once again seeing a lawmaker’s legal troubles potentially tied to what gets done, and what doesn’t, at the state Capitol.
State 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 Smith is among the “yes” votes.
Smith didn’t respond to a request for comment.