By AP
Rosemont, IL – Governor Pat Quinn is giving few specifics about his upcoming budget address, but he strongly suggests he's on the side of teachers.
Quinn received a warm ovation Thursday at the Illinois Education Association's meeting in Rosemont.
The governor is preparing to present a budget plan next week in which he needs to talk about fixing a deficit of at least $9 billion.
He didn't provide dollar figures to the teachers union. But he told them education is his top priority.
Quinn says he wants to reduce public schools' reliance on property taxes. And he'll do what he can to protect their pensions and rebuild schools.
Union President Ken Swanson raised a cheer from the crowd after Quinn spoke when he noted the refreshing difference ``a real governor'' makes.
