Quinn predicts layoffs without tax hike

[May 19, 2009]  CHICAGO -- Gov. Pat Quinn is trying to scare lawmakers into supporting an income tax increase by warning Monday that teachers and state troopers would lose their jobs, health care would be cut, and college students would lose financial aid without the additional money.

The Chicago Democrat is under mounting pressure to get skeptical lawmakers on his side because time is running out to pass a state budget before the General Assembly adjourns May 31 for the summer.

Quinn laid out what a "doomsday" budget might look like if lawmakers "slash and burn" their way to close a deficit of at least $11.6 billion instead of going along with his plan to boost taxes.

"In a tough time, we don't want history to say the people of Illinois threw a lot of their fellow citizens overboard because they didn't want to make any sacrifices or tough choices," Quinn told reporters after detailing a litany of possible cuts to more than 300 people at the City Club of Chicago, a local civic club.

According to Quinn, cutting the budget he proposed would mean laying off more than 14,000 teachers, lopping the Illinois State Police force in half, eliminating services for seniors and the disabled, and ending health care for 475,000 children and parents. It also would mean closing state parks and museums and no money for state fairs in Springfield and DuQuoin.

But Quinn's plan to scare lawmakers into his corner could backfire.

"We understand why he wants to do it to create a picture of where we are, but we're not sure it does the job of encouraging lawmakers to vote for the income tax," said Rikeesha Phelon, spokeswoman for state Senate President John Cullerton, a Chicago Democrat.

Some lawmakers have criticized the governor for resorting to an income tax increase without making more cuts in the budget first.

One key budget negotiator, Sen. Donne Trotter, D-Chicago, said it was helpful for Quinn to illustrate the kind of spending plan Illinois might have to adopt if a tax increase isn't approved. He said it might serve as a wake-up call to some legislators who don't realize what's at stake.

"This is telling the people of Illinois that we're in dire straits," Trotter said. "If members start hearing from these veterans that are going to be out, if they hear from state troopers and their families and ... all these people with disabilities, then maybe there will be some action."

Quinn has proposed raising the state income tax rate to 4.5 percent, up from 3 percent, but he wants to offset it with tax breaks for the poor and working class. On Monday he indicated he was open to considering more relief, including a higher property tax credit.

Former Republican Gov. Jim Thompson said an income tax increase is needed because Quinn inherited a budget in tough economic times. But Quinn's plan to boost exemptions makes his tax plan a harder sell to lawmakers, and Thompson couldn't predict if it would pass.

[Associated Press; By DEANNA BELLANDI]

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