Illinois Governor Pat Quinn says he's submitting the ``most difficult'' budget he's ever had to since he took office. The Chicago Democrat began his budget address before lawmakers at noon on Wednesday.
He says lawmakers' inaction on the pension crisis has squeezed out spending on other services. Illinois' pension problem tops nearly $100 billion. Quinn is calling on the legislature to do its job and act on the pension problem. Quinn has issued a direct challenge to lawmakers to approve pension legislation immediately. Attempts at overhaul on the nearly $100 billion in unfunded pension liability have failed repeatedly, though there are currently several bills pending. In his budget address, Quinn told lawmakers: ``It's time for you to legislate.'' Quinn says that the pension payment is squeezing other services and departments, including education. His budget calls for $400 million cuts to education.
Quinn says he wants to end business tax breaks to raise money says closing three loopholes would save $445 million.
The governor says hydraulic fracturing for natural gas is coming to Illinois and the state stands to have the strongest regulations in the nation. The governor says the industry is a potential source of good jobs for southern Illinois where most fracking would take place.
Quinn has proposed a budget that includes money for beefing up public safety. He said there is more money for mental health services and new cadet classes for the Illinois State Police. Quinn says the budget is also focused on anti-violence strategies. Quinn’s budget proposal amounts to $35.6 Billion for Fiscal Year 2014.
More information on the Governor's budget plan is located here.
