IL Lawmakers Frustrated over Lack of Budget Information

Senators from both parties are frustrated by a lack of budget information from Gov. Pat Quinn's office.

They pressed for details about Quinn's budget plans during a committee hearing Tuesday. The Democratic governor is scheduled to release his budget proposal next week.

The senators wanted some idea of how much spending would be cut from human services or how Quinn concludes he has cut $3 billion in past years. They were also disappointed that Quinn budget director David Vaught didn't testify at the hearing.

Vaught chief of staff Malcolm Weems said his boss was busy. He also told senators that the governor hasn't finalized his budget proposal.

Despite a major tax increase, Illinois officials probably will have to cut in many areas to stay within new spending caps.