Lawmakers have little to do as clock ticks on budget

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois lawmakers returned to the Capitol on Tuesday searching for some way to fill a $9.2 billion hole in the state budget.

The date may be the only thing that has changed since they left town May 31.

Gov. Pat Quinn still warns drastic budget cuts will be required without a tax increase. Democratic legislative leaders still say they want an increase but lack the votes to pass it. Republicans still oppose the idea.

Along with legislators, thousands of protesters showed up at the Capitol to demand a tax increase that would prevent the worst of the budget cuts. Officials said the rally drew more than 5,000 people waving signs in support of services for women, children, senior citizens, disabled people and more.

"It's gratifying to see so many people here at decision time," said Quinn, a Chicago Democrat. "It's really a powerful outpouring of grass-roots sentiment."

Time is running out for officials to make a decision. The current budget expires June 30. After that, state government will face strict limits on spending money and soon could have to cut back on state services.

The House and Senate met for a few minutes Tuesday afternoon, responding to Quinn's call for a special session. Neither took any action, but they're scheduled to return Wednesday.

Officials don't have any good options.

They could close the budget gap - which already has been reduced from $11.6 billion or more - with a combination of spending cuts and tax increases, but many legislators oppose raising taxes.

They could close the deficit solely with spending cuts, but Quinn and many lawmakers consider that unacceptable because it would gut state services they consider vital.

"I am not going to preside over a dismantling of that fundamental safety net that we are proud of in Illinois," Quinn said.

Officials also could postpone any real decision by extending the current budget for a month or two, or by sticking with the limited new budget they've approved and promising to come back in January to do more.