IL Lawmakers Pass Stopgap Budget, Quinn Calls for More

Illinois lawmakers have approved a state budget that only provides about six months of funding for agencies and programs. Governor Pat Quinn says that won't do.

Quinn is calling a summit with legislative leaders today at the Capitol in the hopes of breaking a logjam over raising taxes. Quinn says the state needs an income tax hike to help dig out of a huge deficit.

Quinn says he has no plans to act on what's been termed a "lights on" budget, designed to keep government operating if no compromise is reached by the start of the new fiscal year July first. Lawmakers left Springfield early this morning but could be called back to town in the future. Quinn downplays speculation of a long, drawn out budget battle.

"I happen to be a repair man," Quinn said. "I understand in a bad situation, find the hole in the roof and repair it."

But Quinn had little success in working with fellow Democrats who control the legislature, and Republicans are refusing to climb on board with a tax increase. More votes will now be needed to pass a tax hike. Quinn won't say what he'll do if his talks with legislative leaders fails to result in a break through. He says the budget lawmakers approved would result in severe cuts to services and calls that unacceptable.