Illinois Democratic Governor Pat Quinn presented his budget address last week. His approach? "A state that looks to the future by making reforms and sacrifices in the present."

The governor's budget comes in at $52.7 billion. As far as education is concerned, the budget allots more money to education overall while cutting money for schools' busing. Quinn also proposed reducing the number of school districts from more than 850 to closer to 300.

Other cuts in Quinn's plan include:
*cutting aid to poor seniors,
*eliminating a prescription drug discount program,
*reducing spending on substance abuse treatment, and
*reining in costs of Medicaid programs.

The Chicago Tribune notes that while the governor's budget address stated that Illinois' tax system is too regressive, he provided few details on how the state's tax system should be restructured. This comes weeks after Quinn pushed for a personal income-tax rate of 5 percent, up from 3 percent.

The other part of Quinn's plan involves borrowing $8.75 billion to cover the backlog of debt the state holds.

The legislature and state leadership has mixed feelings on Quinn's plan, and Republicans are especially vocal. Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno, R-Lemont, supports borrowing but says the budget falls far short and predicts Senate Republicans will recommend more cuts. House Minority Leader Tom Cross sees Quinn's proposed borrowing amount as too lofty.

At least one expert recommends that Illinois do the unthinkable by cutting spending and increasing taxes. But it remains to be seen how workable Quinn's plan is, if the legislature will support it, and whether it truly will be a solution to Illinois's state budget woes.

Filed Under : Tax Increases, Spending Cuts

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