Democrats on Quinn tax hike: Not so fast

SPRINGFIELD -- If Gov. Pat Quinn is in a hurry to raise the Illinois income tax rate, he'll have to start changing lawmakers' minds quickly.

Quinn called his victory last week a “mandate” for his tax-increase plan, leading to speculation that lawmakers could try to hurry up and approve it before next year.

But some of Quinn's fellow Democrats don't seem ready to move on the idea in next week's brief session of the Illinois General Assembly.

“I think the governor's mistaken if he thinks he has a mandate to raise taxes,” said state Rep. Jack Franks, a Marengo Democrat.

With Republicans campaigning loudly this year against proposed taxes, Quinn probably can't rely on them for support, at least in the short term.

And House Speaker Michael Madigan has said he doesn't want only Democrats voting for a tax increase.

“We remain of the belief that a bipartisan coalition will be necessary,” Madigan spokesman Steve Brown said.

Many Democrats who control the House are also reluctant to raise the tax rate.

State Rep. Mark Walker, an Arlington Heights Democrat, says he doubts there will be a vote on taxes next week. He said he opposes the plan, wanting to see proof of how a tax hike would affect the Illinois jobs picture.

“I'm just not sure now is the right time,” Walker said.

Walker lost his race to remain in the Illinois House last week but will remain in office until January's swearing-in.

Next week's sessions of the House and Senate are intended to consider legislation Quinn has vetoed in the last year. But other issues could come up, such as a plan to put slot machines at Arlington Park, as well as legislation to legalize civil unions in Illinois.

Lawmakers could choose to ignore those hot-button issues, though, and instead look toward January, when their regular annual session is scheduled to begin.