Quinn finds tax hike support comes with a catch -- more accountability

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn spent Sunday afternoon pitching his plan for a state income tax increase to about 1,000 members of several Chicago-area civic groups.

But by the time he was done, the groups had a request of their own.

"We are not willing to pay for corruption," said Nick Brunick, a member of United Power for Action and Justice, before urging Quinn to meet with community organizers for more access to his staff and another meeting before state lawmakers finalize their budget later this spring.

"To some people in Illinois, corruption is a joke," he added, "but to us it means unfilled potholes in the streets, longer lines at Stroger Hospital and neighborhoods that remain unaffordable for many people."

Members of civic groups from Cook, Lake and DuPage counties recalled several anecdotes of challenges they're facing in their own communities.

Maria Ibarra Lorence, an Aurora schoolteacher and Downers Grove resident, highlighted the ongoing tension between residents and officials running for re-election for the College of DuPage board of trustees. Ibarra said the story was meant to underscore the need for more government transparency.

"Fixing COD is an investment in the statewide work force," Ibarra said as Quinn took notes. "In today's economy, the community college is more valuable than ever ... The state shouldn't give money to trustees who can't be trusted."

Several other people urged the governor to improve, among other things, the education system, affordable housing and the affordability of health care.

For his part, Quinn seemed receptive to the speakers' comments, but reminded them that the state's $11.5 billion budget deficit didn't occur under his watch. He also pushed his plan to increase the state sales tax while increasing the number of exemptions for families of four who make under $61,000 a year.

"Illinois has an unfair tax code," Quinn said. "If we put in these generous exemptions, we can cut taxes for 5 million people."

To be sure, both Quinn and community organizers detailed their respective proposals Sunday in broad brush strokes. But Amy Lawless, a member of the civic group DuPage United, said Sunday's town hall-style session opened the door to future interactions with the new governor.

"I think there was some good give and take," Lawless said. "I think he sounded open to working with us, and I think this opened the door to having us work with him in the future on problems facing our respective communities."