Quinn ups push for tax hike by showing school cuts

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Pat Quinn’s office has called attention to potential funding cuts to schools as part of an effort to extend the state’s temporary income tax increase.

Quinn’s budget office said Wednesday that schools would see $875 million in cuts if the tax rate rolls back as scheduled. The office also calculated the corresponding hike in local property taxes that school districts would have to adopt to make up the cuts.

The tax rate is scheduled to drop from 5 percent to 3.75 percent for individuals in January. That would reduce state revenue next year by about $1.8 billion.

Quinn backs a $38 billion budget makes the increase permanent. He and other Democratic leaders are having a tough time coming up with votes for the plan.

ASSOCIATED PRESS