Gov. Quinn says tax hike talk 'premature'

SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Pat Quinn said today that talk of a huge state tax increase in next month's budget proposal is "premature," and he reminded local officials and interest groups lobbying for more money that times are tight.

"It's going to be a tough time," Quinn, a Chicago Democrat, told the Daily Herald this morning.

Shortly after taking over for the impeached and removed Rod Blagojevich last month, Quinn asked lawmakers for a four-week delay in presenting his plan for the budget year that begins July 1. His budget address is now scheduled for March 18.

With Illinois facing a deficit that's been projected at $9 billion or higher, there's wide anticipation that Quinn will propose increasing state taxes such as the income and sales tax to fill the hole.

"It's premature to talk about that now," Quinn said as he entered the Capitol through its main North entrance, a marked departure from Blagojevich's habit of using a basement utility tunnel. "But when we have the plan, we'll lay out in full detail what the needs are and how to pay for it."

At the same time, numerous interest groups - representing everything from women and girls suffering from eating disorders to scholarships for prospective Illinois teachers to school districts looking to avert cuts and communities wanting state help on projects - are lobbying lawmakers for continued if not increased funding.

Quinn, who hasn't ruled out running for the governor post next year, warned times are tight.

"It'll be a tough year for everybody," Quinn said. "There's a lot of things you'd love to do or like to do, but you can't do because of lean times."