Quinn Gets More Time to Assemble Budget

Illinois Democrats say Gov. Pat Quinn should have more time to assemble a state budget and the public should have a bigger say in how it's put together.

The Senate adopted a plan that delays Quinn's budget address three weeks ... to March 10.

But the Democrat must post on a website details of what revenues he expects and what spending obligations the state has in the budget year that begins July 1. The public then may comment and make suggestions.

The Senate vote was 31-21. Among East-Central Illinois senators, Democrat Mike Frerichs voted for the measure, and Republican Dan Rutherford of Pontiac voted against it. Republican Dale Righter of Mattoon did not vote. The legislation moves to the House.

Republicans complained that delaying a budget address with a deficit of $11 billion or more will shorten time available to fill it.

The bill number is HB2240.