IL State Democrats propose temporary tax increase. Are temporary tax increases ever temporary?

Illinois taxpayers could soon see their state income tax rates jump and smokers would shell out $1 more a pack under a Democratic proposal in Springfield.

Illinois Senate President John Cullerton, (D) Chicago, says the deal would boost the 3% income tax rate to 5.25% for four years. After the four years, it would go back down to 3.75%. The money raised in the first four years of the tax hike would help pay off the state's backlog of overdue bills. Then, the increase would go to help ailing schools. It's estimated the higher taxes would bring in about $7.5 billion a year.

The tax on cigarettes, now 98 cents a pack, would jump to $1.98. The money would be used for education.