Civic group criticizes Quinn spending plan

SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Pat Quinn's budget proposal is under fire from a civic group that says it would raise taxes without solving the state's fundamental problems.

The Chicago-based Civic Federation said Monday is opposes both the income tax increase Quinn has proposed and the huge public works program he says would create jobs in Illinois.

The Civic Federation argues that a small income tax increase would be acceptable if the money were used to reduce state debt. But it opposes Quinn's plan to increase rates by 50 percent and use the money for a variety of needs, such as supporting a $26 billion construction program.

The governor's office would not comment on the Civic Federation's report.