State Rep. Michael J. Zalewski (D-Chicago) said he could no support a state income tax increase in light of the state’s soaring unemployment rate.

Zalewski said he was not prepared to vote on the increase May 31 because it was presented “at the last minute, and the debate was too rushed.”

Zalewski also questioned whether or not the increase would make a bad situation worse in terms of businesses that are “struggling to keep their doors open.”

 “Policy decisions of this magnitude should not be made in haste,” he stated.

Zalewski represents the 21st representative district, which encompasses a portion of the 23rd Ward in the City of Chicago, and all or portions of Berwyn, Brookfield, Forest View, La Grange, La Grange Park, Countryside, Lyons, McCook, Riverside, Stickney and Summit.