Quinn says tax hikes may come right after primary

Gov. Pat Quinn says his Democratic primary campaign is a referendum on raising taxes to solve the state's budget crisis.

"If I prevail on Feb. 2 - I believe I will - I think that is a message," Quinn told the Daily Herald editorial board Friday about his upfront push to raise taxes.

And if he beats Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes in the primary, Quinn argued lawmakers will feel safe to vote for a tax hike, and perhaps even make cuts in state pension benefits, by the end of March.

"My view is between Feb. 3 and the end of March, within the first quarter, we will deal with revenue and I think we will pass revenue," Quinn said.

The Chicago Democrat declined to say what kind of tax increases he will propose and hope to pass before the end of March - two months before the official end of the legislative session.

Asked for specifics about a potential "tax" increase, Quinn bristled at the use of the word "tax" and said, "I think we will pass revenue based on a fair system."

"I think there may be tax reform as well as tax relief as part of the package," he added.

After taking office following Gov. Rod Blagojevich's arrest and ouster, Quinn launched a push for a 50 percent income tax rate increase to cover a massive state budget shortfall. But lawmakers balked.

He has also pushed raising the state's personal exemption from $2,000 to $6,000 to provide relief for low-income residents. Quinn reiterated that desire Friday.

Quinn argued lawmakers will be more amenable after the primary because they will see voters can support a candidate who advocates tax hikes - if he wins the primary. But if Hynes wins, Quinn said lawmakers won't approve a tax hike because the key supporter was rejected by voters.

Hynes is proposing an expansion in gambling and raising income taxes on wealthy residents, a plan that would require voter approval.

Quinn derided balanced budget proposals from Hynes and Republicans - who say they won't raise taxes - as "gimmicks."

The state is now facing a budget hole of about $11 billion, nearly 40 percent of the budget.

The primary is Feb. 2.