News Local/State

Legislature Votes To Delay Quinn’s Budget Address

by the Associated Press
 

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is getting more time before he delivers his annual budget address.

Despite objections from Republicans, the state Senate voted 37-15 on Wednesday to pass the measure pushing the annual budget speech from Feb. 19 to March 26.

That puts the speech after the March 18 primary election. 
 
By a 62-48 vote Tuesday, the House signed off on the measure.
 
State Sen. Matt Murphy of Palatine was among Republicans raising objections,calling the request for more time a "political sham.''
 
But Democrats, including House Speaker Michael Madigan, say Quinn needs more time.
 
Quinn plans to outline a five-year spending blueprint. He also must wrestle with the expiration of a temporary income tax hike halfway through the fiscal year.