Illinois residents would continue paying a 5% income tax rate under the much-anticipated budget proposal Governor Pat Quinn presented Wednesday. Now he's already facing accusations from Republicans of breaking a promise to keep the tax hike temporary.
Illinois' income tax rate is supposed to expire in January, midway through the fiscal year.
Gov. Quinn says that would cause "savage cuts" to schools and other critical state services.
Instead, Quinn wants to make the higher income tax rate permanent.
"I propose that we take the path that is honest and responsible. The path that protects everyday families and invests in their future. The honest path, that includes some additional hard steps but leads us out of the era of budget emergencies."
In an attempt to ease taxpayer's pain, he also wants to give homeowners a $500 property tax credit.
The governor's plan is getting early signals of support from the General Assembly's leading Democrats. House Speaker Michael Madigan told Illinois Lawmakers on Public Television he hoped to have the tax extension passed by the end of May.
But Republicans - including the man who's trying to take over the governor's mansion, GOP gubernatorial nominee Bruce Rauner - say Illinois' budget can be balanced without the higher taxes. Rauner hasn't given any specifics, however.
State Representative John Cavaletto (R-Salem) says he expects the plan to be a tough sell.
"Sixty percent of the people in my district want it to sunset. So, I think for my constituents, I'm going to vote to sunset that tax."
And State Senator David Luechtefeld (R-Okawville) says the speech boils down to Quinn's reelection bid.
"This was a political speech, and you finally get tired of that. You know, a man that's been in charge for five years and a party that's been in charge for 12 years - and this state is the laughing stock of the country. Something's wrong."
The competing visions set up a clear choice for voters heading into the November election.
