Gov. Pat Quinn's budget speech won't include specific plans for fixing two of Illinois' biggest financial problems.
Aides say Quinn will outline the depth of the state's pension and Medicaid problems Wednesday and discuss general solutions. But they acknowledge he won't spell out exactly what the governor thinks should be done. Quinn advisor Jerry Stermer told reporters Tuesday evening that the Governor will work with lawmakers and outside groups to negotiate solutions.
State government has to contribute more and more to pensions every year to make up for under-funding them in the past. The increase next year is roughly $1 billion. Medicaid costs are climbing, too. Quinn says they must be cut by $2.7 billion next year.
