Gov. Pat Quinn stopped by the Chicago Sun-Times this afternoon to discuss his proposed Fiscal Year 2015 budget with our editorial board.
Here are a few highlights from that discussion:
On his ‘guaranteed’ property tax refund
Quinn: Using property taxes to fund education in 'inherently unequal.' Under his plan, every homeowner will get a $500 check. #ILBudget
— Early & Often (@CSTearlyoften) March 27, 2014
Quinn: "We want to make homeownership more attainable. That means you can't have more unattainable property taxes on individuals." #ILBudget
— Early & Often (@CSTearlyoften) March 27, 2014
Quinn says under his plan, homeowners would get those $500 checks "in this fiscal year, as soon as possible." #ILBudget
— Early & Often (@CSTearlyoften) March 27, 2014
On broken promises
Quinn: "I wanted to review it on a regular basis, and I'm presenting the people of Illinois a choice with this budget..." #ILBudget
— Early & Often (@CSTearlyoften) March 27, 2014
... "We can switch off a heavy property tax reliant way of funding schools ... and that's what I favor." #ILBudget
— Early & Often (@CSTearlyoften) March 27, 2014
Pressed on whether he broke his promise to roll back income tax hike, Quinn says, "You can say what you want about promises..." #ILBudget
— Early & Often (@CSTearlyoften) March 27, 2014
... "My promise is I want to make Illinois a better state. That's what governors do." #ILBudget
— Early & Often (@CSTearlyoften) March 27, 2014
On increasing education spending
Quinn: School districts have nowhere else to turn than prop. taxes. "The state has to assume a bigger role in funding education." #ILBudget
— Early & Often (@CSTearlyoften) March 27, 2014
Where will money come from for increased education spending? Quinn: "We've got to pay the pension. We've got to pay the bills." #ILBudget
— Early & Often (@CSTearlyoften) March 27, 2014
... "We can if we have a reasonable income tax that rises with the economy." #ILBudget
— Early & Often (@CSTearlyoften) March 27, 2014
… Which also is his idea to improve the business climate in Illinois
Quinn: Best thing to do to improve business climate is to invest in education, including community colleges and universities. #ILBudget
— Early & Often (@CSTearlyoften) March 27, 2014
On real ‘wrath of God’-type stuff
Quinn: "To pass up this opportunity now, we'll come to regret it..." #ILBudget
— Early & Often (@CSTearlyoften) March 27, 2014
... "If we listen to these false prophets that say you can starve schools ... and have a better product, that's not believable." #ILBudget
— Early & Often (@CSTearlyoften) March 27, 2014
Quinn: "There are a lot of doomsdayers ... running around and saying, 'Woe is me,'" but business still are moving to Illinois. #ILBudget
— Early & Often (@CSTearlyoften) March 27, 2014
Quinn: "Don't let those who are apostles of doing nothing get away with it. What's their plan?" #ILBudget
— Early & Often (@CSTearlyoften) March 27, 2014
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