© 2024 St. Louis Public Radio
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Fiscal Cliff Fallout Could Push Illinois Into Recession, Topinka Says

State comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, shown in this state photo, died December 10, 2014 from complications of a stroke at the age of 70.
via Illinois Comptroller website

Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka estimates a $1 billion impact on the state budget if automatic federal spending cuts and tax increases take effect.

Topinka sent out a release Friday detailing the impact on the Illinois budget if Congress and President Barack Obama don't prevent the federal government from going over the fiscal cliff. Topinka says the fallout from the fiscal cliff could push Illinois into recession. Topinka estimates Social Security and income tax increases would lower Illinois tax revenues by up to $500 million.

Topinka says if a deal isn't reached to prevent the increases "the consequences will be devastating." She says a planned 2 percent increase in Social Security payroll taxes could cost Illinoisans up to $6 billion in take-home pay.

Follow St. Louis Public Radio on Twitter: @stlpublicradio