Quinn Calls On Legislators To 'Do The Right Thing' On State Income Tax
(CBS) -- Governor Quinn joined veterans and others at a Memorial Day parade in the suburbs, but his re-election campaign and the fight over state spending were not far from his mind, reports WBBM's Steve Miller.
One of the things left undone in Springfield is whether to extend the current five percent income tax rate. It is what Governor Quinn wants but the votes have not been there.
Is that five percent up for negotiation?
"I believe in working together with everybody to do the right thing. It is before an election I know, but the reason I was elected by the people in the last election is I am straightforward with the people of Illinois, I tell the people what they need to know with respect to making sure we have a strong state. That means properly investing in education, properly investing in our programs for daycare and childcare so people can go to work and know their children are in a good situation," said Quinn.
Governor Quinn says it is going to be a busy week in Springfield. If the five percent income tax rate is not extended, it will fall back to 3.75 percent.
Just as Quinn won't reveal his Plan B, his Republican opponent, Bruce Rauner, who'd inherit whatever budget is passed, wasn't revealing how he'd attack the deficit. He said GOP members of the legislature are handling budget matters now by fighting Quinn's plan.
Well-informed sources now predict Democratic lawmakers will put off a vote on the extension of the tax increase until after the November election and passing what would be considered a "mirage" budget – one that looks balanced but really isn't -- CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine reports.