By By: IL Public Radio
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wsiu/local-wsiu-1002531.mp3
Illinois Public Radio's Amanda Vinicky reports on Governor Pat Quinn's State of the State Addresss.
Springfield, IL – Governor Pat Quinn had little to say about Illinois' budget problems in his State of the State address.
He said Illinois must reform government pensions, but he didn't offer any hint of how he wants to do it.
Quinn says that will wait for his budget presentation later this month.
"Fixing the pension problem will not be easy. But we have no choice. We must do it together in a way that is meaningful, constitutional and fair to the employees who have faithfully contributed to the system."
A major question in Springfield is whether it would be constitutional to reduce benefits for current government workers.
Quinn also says Illinois must address growing costs in the Medicaid health care program.
In addition, the governor used his State of the State address to call for more tax breaks. He wants to create a new tax credit for parents with children. He says it will save $100 a year for the average family of four.
"There's no more important mission in life than raising a child. Investing in our families is good for Illinois."
The governor also said Illinois should expand an existing tax credit for companies that hire unemployed veterans.
Another proposal would end the natural gas utility tax. Quinn said Illinois would be the only state in the Midwest without that tax, giving businesses an advantage and helping homeowners. That idea would cost the state about $25 million a year.
Business Reaction:
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce likes what it's hearing from Governor Pat Quinn. Chamber president Doug Whitley says it's an issue that doesn't get enough attention.
"Water systems run under the ground. For most people, it's out-of-sight, out-of-mind. But in fact those systems do need to have added investment."
Whitley acknowledges the General Assembly could have a difficult time accepting Quinn's proposals, because legislators know the state is already short on funds.
Lawmaker Reaction:
Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka says the governor promised the world, but has no way to pay for it.
"Here we're talking about almost a chicken in every pot - lots of pots, no chickens. So, you know, I said 'can't do this.' It reminded me very much of Obama's speech a week before, which was the same thing: Something for everybody and no money to pay for it."
Topinka says the state must focus on paying its bills and restoring its credit rating.
Meanwhile State Rep. John Bradley says there were some good points, but he knows the legislature will have to have its say:
"Overall I thought it was a good speech. I think it's going to be difficult to pay for the programs he suggested. Obviously he put some ideas out there and we'll kick them around and try to decide whether we can afford them, and what we're going to do about the backlog of bills and the financial crisis that the state continues to be in."
The Marion Democrat says he was also glad to hear Governor Quinn highlight so many southern Illinois projects, including SIUC's TEC center, the Route 13 expansion and others. Bradley says that just illustrates that the region is getting its share of funding and projects, and he says he'll continue working for more.
And Republicans say Governor Pat Quinn's State of the State address today was unrealistic and fails to address major issues including pension reform and restructuring Medicaid.
Southern Illinois GOP Senator Dave Luechtefeld says Quinn's address left more unanswered questions and will most likely lead to another frustrating legislative session for Illinois residents.
