Quinn Looking to Spend

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Mar 9, 2009 9:00PM

While he won't reveal any details until a budget address on March 18, it seems Governor Quinn is looking to spend a lot of money in the coming year: $25 billion, to be precise. Quinn wants to spend the money, according to the Trib, on "a statewide construction program to improve schools, roads and bridges and create jobs." Said Quinn, “We hope to have a $25 billion… Illinois economic recovery investment program that invests in rail as well as highway and bridges and water and everything else. I think it’s imperative… but we have to get it passed. I’d like to see it passed by April 3, and we’re going to work very hard in that direction.”

But with the state already $9 billion in the hole, Quinn hasn't been very forthcoming about where this money will come from. It seems the dreaded "t" word might be the answer. While Quinn is kinda/sorta opposed to a new gas tax, he has previously mentioned raising the state income tax. Added the governor:

“I think if you’re going to use any revenues to try to invest in our future in Illinois, in job creation, in making sure we get our economy moving, you should rely on taxes that are based on ability to pay,” Quinn said. “That’s my philosophy, you’ll hear about it next week. We’re going to have, I think, a very robust program in Illinois of job creation, investing in things that matter today, but also matter for our kids and grandkids.”