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| Quinn Meets With Legislative Leaders; Still No Agreement to Raise Taxes |
Governor Pat Quinn and legislative leaders met for over three hours Tuesday afternoon to try and hash out a plan to fill a massive budget gap.
Quinn called the meeting "productive" and said leaders agreed on the formation of an economic recovery commission as well as a taxpayer commission. He said he again urged leaders to go along with an income tax hike and said there could be another $1-billion that could be cut out of the budget but wouldn't specify where the cuts would be made.
Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) said that there is a willingness to change business as usual in state government and she believes that should be addressed before talk of finding additional revenue for state coffers.
House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) says Republicans are hesitant about an income tax increase because of the tough economy and rising gas prices. He says the "worst thing you could do" for the people of Illinois is raise taxes.
House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) says House Democrats are simply reflecting what the people in the districts want, additional cuts in state government. He says he's "anxious to be cooperative" with other leaders and said it was a "good meeting."
Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) agrees that more cuts must be made before a tax hike, but indicated that the state will eventually need some type of new revenue.
Quinn said all lawmakers agree that the pension reform for state employees. He said he would like lawmakers in Springfield to vote on that issue before Fiscal Year 2010 begins July 1st. He also said that later this week the state would begin sending out notices to human services agencies notifying them of budget cuts.
Quinn would not indicate if he would call a special session but added that he will meet with legislative leaders for a third time next week.
(Illinois Radio Network) |
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| 06 09 09 by Newsroom |
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