 Quinn's administration
will be releasing state budget numbers for fiscal years 2009 and
2010, as well as an estimated budget for fiscal 2011, according to
spokeswoman Kelly Kraft.Citizens can view the information at
www.budget.illinois.gov.
She said the budget posted online will contain "anticipated
liabilities," such as state debts, bonds issued and public employee
pension payments.
"We are hopeful that the public takes advantage of this
opportunity to give their input and be a part of the process because
after all, it is everyone's money and we all pay taxes, so we want
to hear everyone's input," Kraft said.
Kraft said the Web site will also have a section for suggestions
where people can post comments, ideas and attach any documents they
deem necessary.
Kraft and another aide in Quinn's office will review the
suggestions.
Illinois lawmakers have different opinions on whether the online
budget is a good idea and if it's realistic for the future.
State Sen. Dave Syverson, R-Rockford, said he believes putting
the budget online and available for comment won't make much of a
difference in solving the state's fiscal crisis.
He said lawmakers already know how to fix the budget -- but no
one's taking the needed steps.
"The solutions are simple," Syverson said. "It is implementing
those solutions that are going to be the hard part. Because it means
reforming the pensions system, it means Medicaid reform, it means
top-to-bottom review of every grant and every program in the state."
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State Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley, said he think Quinn's
plan is a good idea because lawmakers can see the public's
suggestions.
"I think it's a needed improvement," Mautino said. "It'll allow
for public input for those who are most affected by the budget."
He said an online presentation will allow the public to "vent,"
which could create some new ideas for the state budget.
State Rep. Jehan Gordon, D-Peoria, said she doesn't see any
downside to Quinn's plan, either. She said there's always a
possibility that something could go wrong, but she thinks Quinn is
making the right move.
"It's a step in good faith that Gov. Quinn is trying to offer the
citizens of the state of Illinois," Gordon said.
Quinn is expected to address lawmakers about the budget when it
goes online Wednesday. His formal budget speech will take place
March 10.
[Text from
Illinois Statehouse News;
By ASHLEY BADGLEY and JENNIFER WESSNER]
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