Final Week for Quinn


Gov. Pat Quinn reflected on his six years in office at the City Club of Chicago today. Quinn said Illinois state constitution requires that at the end of the governor's tenure, he or she make a statement to the public- not just the legislature. In his speech, Quinn highlighted what he considers his successes over the last four years- lower unemployment, investing in infrastructure, passing marriage equality, and abolishing the death penalty.

Watch the full speech.

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While acknowledging that the state still has much work to do, Quinn said it's come a long way from the day he took office. He was vague on his future plans but did joke that he has to keep working until he's 102 years old, so that he can pay off his kids' college loans. He said he plans to keep working for the public somehow- whether or not in public service.

Quinn called lawmakers back to Springfield for a special session Thursday, specifically to take up legislation that would call a special election to fill the seat of the state comptroller after the death of Judy Baar Topinka.

Today, Quinn said he plans to work with leadership in the House and Senate to build a majority to pass a bill. A spokesperson for House Speaker Mike Madigan says he's not aware of a finalized bill yet, but there have been conversations between the House and Senate staff about it.

There's no word on whether lawmakers will also take up anything else -- like minimum wage.

View a timeline of Quinn's career.

 

-- Timeline by Christine Hurley, Kristen Thometz and Travis Cornejo

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