It's a subdued climate in Springfield, as Gov. Pat Quinn proposes what he calls "his most difficult" budget yet. Can the state pass the major cuts he wants even though legislators face reelection? We have a recap from Springfield, and then Carol Marin and her panel have analysis on Chicago Tonight at 7:00 pm. Read Quinn's complete address in the PDF below.
And check out the following story and video from PBS NewsHour.
Illinois Gov. Quinn Outlines State's Budget Priorities
Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn recently sat down with NewsHour correspondent Ray Suarez to outline his plan for building a stronger, more competitive state economy. In addition to job creation, the Democratic governor cited the need for continued pension reform and investments in infrastructure. He also talked about making tough choices in tough times, defending last year's unpopular income tax hike.
"That's never easy," Quinn said. "But it was important for our state to right the fiscal ship, to tell credit agencies that we are going to make hard choices, and make economies that were necessary."
To help get things moving again, Quinn said that unlike other states, Illinois would welcome federal dollars. He highlighted state plans to build high-speed rail lines from Chicago to St. Louis and from Chicago to Detroit, and the potential economic benefits. He was perplexed by the decisions of other governors to turn back the money.
"I think it's puzzling why they wouldn't want to take federal money to build something important that creates jobs today and really makes your economy work better by lowering transportation times, which is very important in Illinois," he said.
But with the federal government tightening its belt and the economic recovery still precarious, Quinn has a challenging road ahead. We'll learn more about his plans for meeting that challenge on Wednesday, when he delivers his 2012 budget address.
What are your thoughts on Gov. Quinn's budget address? Post your comments below or sound off on our discussion board!
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Governor Quinn's address
He stated that only part of the pensions were for Illinois state employees. I got the impression that he was implying that the state is only partially responsible for the mess. However, he did not say that pensions for cities and villages are mandated by the state for their employees, so they pay but have no say in benefits or management.
Quinn and Pensions
Is it true? Do Illinois state pensioners/teachers have the taxpayers take care of their health benefits...while we have to cover our own as well?? Time IL stops using taxpayers as oxen to carry the load of the state employees through as much as 40 years of ever-increasing pension benefits. Put them in 401(k)s--like the rest of us schmucks--make them contribute to Social Security (thereby helping take care of children and others that have no other resources), like the rest of us--how did they escape contributing to others???. Then put them in Medicare instead of those fancy plans they have at our expense. It's no wonder the rest of us can't afford our homes any more! What a burden they want us to carry. They ought to be ashamed of themselves!!
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