 Quinn continued to insist he was optimistic that lawmakers would do
what he has asked, although key legislators have shown little
interest in passing a tax increase in an election year."I expect
the Legislature to square up and vote on the matter. They have to
explain to the folks that they represent that they're voting against
education if they won't provide the funding," Quinn told reporters
while visiting a school on the southwest side of Chicago.
The Democratic governor has proposed cutting $1.3 billion from
education without an income tax increase because the state faces a
$13 billion budget deficit.
Quinn has proposed raising the personal and corporate income tax
rates by one percentage point each. That would drive the personal
rate to 4 percent and the corporate rate to 5.8 percent. For
example, someone with a taxable income of $30,000 would see their
Illinois taxes increase to $1,200 from $900 under Quinn's plan.
[to top of second
column]
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 Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan has said Quinn was brave
for proposing a tax increase, but Madigan wasn't otherwise
encouraging.
"That doesn't mean he's going to get it," the powerful Chicago
politician said.
A Madigan spokesman did not immediately return a call for comment
Monday.
Illinois Senate President John Cullerton has said the House needs to
take the lead on passing a tax increase. Republican leaders say the
state needs to undertake major spending reforms before lawmakers
talk about raising taxes. State Sen. Bill Brady, the GOP nominee for
governor, opposes a tax increase.
[Associated Press;
By DEANNA BELLANDI]
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This
material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or
redistributed.
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