 |
|
Public Affairs coverage from our award-winning staff |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Illinois Faces New Fiscal Year with No Budget
Produced by Sean Crawford on Wednesday, July 01, 2009
|
|
(AP/File) |
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has a budget on his desk. But he says he'll veto it, even as the new fiscal year begins today.
Speaking to a rare joint session of the House and Senate, Quinn says the state's deficit shows there's a need to make tough decisions. But what Quinn wants and what he got are two different things. Quinn's push for an income tax increase came up short. Because of it, he told members of the General Assembly their work is far from complete.
QUINN: I'm prepared to stay here all summer to get the job done. I think that's what people want. That's why we're here: to get the job done. Whatever it takes.
Lawmakers sent the Governor a budget that covers only about half the funding Quinn requested for social service needs. Then, they went home. When they might return is anyone's guess, although Quinn could call the legislature back to Springfield.
Despite the dawn of the new fiscal year and no budget in place, state government is expected to keep operating, at least for a while.
Related: Budget woes hit service agencies
Related: Budget forces cuts to Family Services
Related: Hundreds rally against budget
Blog: Doomsday played out?
Poll: Cut services or raise taxes?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Kristin, Sheridan, IL // Wednesday, July 01, 2009 @ 8:28 AM
Thanks Governor Quinn.
Nonprofit agencies who rely on funding from the state are now announcing layoffs. My agency will do so today. Others in the nonprofit sector are dealing with the same.
I'm sure he will find a way to blame those who did not support a tax increase; nevermind the fact he was willing to fully fund other areas of government. It is easier to pick on the little people.
I don't know where people get off thinking this is a flexible man... He's not.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|