 Quinn, chosen by his fellow governors this week to head the group,
will convene his first session Feb. 25 in Washington, D.C., where he
is certain run into governors of neighboring states who have been
lobbing barbs at Illinois for its recent income tax hike.
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker on Wednesday blew the dust off an old
travel slogan -- "Escape to Wisconsin" -- to entice business across
the border.
Similarly, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels poked fun at Illinois' tax
hike, saying that being next door to Illinois is akin to living next
to the Simpsons.
Illinois has not been quiet in this border war of words. Senate
President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, on Thursday released a biting
statement that explained the differences in tax structure between
Illinois and Wisconsin.
Cullerton even went as far as to say "bring it on" to the
neighbors to the north.
Illinois is also reaching out to at least one Wisconsin company,
Talgo, which makes high-speed rail cars. Wisconsin recently turned
down federal funding for high-speed rail.
"If Wisconsin is losing its enthusiasm for its rail program and
others are not, we could go to Illinois and manufacture world-class
trains there," said Nora Friend, Talgo vice president for public
affairs and business development, in published reports after the
Wisconsin announcement was made public. "We certainly appreciate
Gov. Quinn reaching out to us. We will consider very seriously
states that want to grow their rail program."
With that backstory, what will the first meeting of the
Midwestern Governors Association be like with Quinn at the helm?
Calm, according Quinn's office.
[to top of second column] |
Spokeswoman Brie Callahan said the governor is honored to have
been selected as the Midwestern Governors Association chief, and he
will show that appreciation.
"He looks forward to serving the region," said Callahan.
Neither Gov. Walker's office in Wisconsin nor Gov. Daniels'
office in Indiana returned calls from Illinois Statehouse News for
their comments.
But Callahan said the Midwest has a lot more in common than the
recent tough talk might indicate.
"It's time to work together as a region and lift all ships," he
said.
So is Quinn perturbed by the cross-border smack talk?
"Gov. Quinn has not been part of the rhetoric this week,"
Callahan said.
[Illinois
Statehouse News; By BENJAMIN YOUNT]
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