Governor to approve public works program

[July 10, 2009]  SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Pat Quinn said Thursday that he plans to sign long-delayed legislation creating a huge public works program to help the Illinois economy, a decision that was greeted warmly by legislators and unions.

The Democratic governor plans to sign the roughly $29 billion construction plan on Monday.

"The best way to help our state is with a J-O-B, with jobs. I think it's the best social program ever devised," Quinn said at a news conference.

The legislation had been held up by disputes over how to balance the state budget. Quinn's decision to sign it could be seen by legislators as a good-will gesture in the continuing arguments.

Quinn also said that he might be open to a temporary budget that would keep government operating for months while negotiations continue.

The public works program will be Illinois' first major investment in roads, bridges, schools and other infrastructure in nearly a decade. State government will borrow billions of dollars to pay for the construction and will pay off the debt over many years with money from video gambling, higher liquor taxes and higher fees on driver's licenses and license plates.

"This plan will help get our state's economy back on its feet," James Sweeney, president of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, said in a statement.

Quinn has supported the construction program from the beginning. But when legislators wouldn't compromise with him on a new budget, Quinn said he would hold off on signing the program into law. He said Illinois couldn't take on so much debt without a budget in place.

Now, Quinn says he is optimistic a budget will be approved soon.

Despite his optimism, there has been little evidence of progress. Quinn wants a major income tax increase, Republican legislators generally favor steep budget cuts, and Democratic lawmakers can't muster the votes to raise taxes on their own.

The new fiscal year began July 1 without a budget in place.

After repeatedly rejecting the idea of a temporary budget, Quinn said Thursday that he might consider it as a "plan B" if he can't get a tax increase next week.

[Associated Press]

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