It's time for reason, not scare tactics

There is an eerie sameness to the tone of the so-called "doomsday budget" Gov. Patrick Quinn announced this week. It hearkens uncomfortably to memories of the way the previous governor dealt with lawmakers: "Give me what I want or watch what I'll do."

In this case, though, no one seems to be taking Quinn too seriously regarding the mayhem he could create if his 1.5 percentage-point increase in the state income tax is not approved. Lawmakers, like us, know we've heard this all before; yet, we know a key difference this time is in the personality residing in the governor's office. Quinn, unlike his predecessor, is regarded as, if nothing else, someone you can deal with.

Still, it's disconcerting to see him resort to such tactics. Here are some of the horrors he promises: More than a half-billion dollars in unspecified school-aid cuts; $1.2 billion in unspecified health-care cuts; laying off half the state police; $1 billion unspecified cuts in aid to local governments

A few things to keep in mind:

No. 1, while no meaningful budget cutting can occur that doesn't affect education and health care, a more careful review may well show those areas can be trimmed without devastating health care for needy seniors or ravaging the funding that supports more than 14,000 teachers. Ditto on another proposal that would cut the state police force in half and others. These are obviously, as the governor himself identified them, "slash-and-burn" tactics.

Second, it's good at least that Quinn is stepping up the pressure. One other eerie similarity between this May and the many previous is that months of talk about the budget so far have produced precious little action. We appear headed for the usual frantic final few days in which a flurry of deals behind closed doors lead to an imperfect budget that bears little resemblance to earlier discussions. With only 12 days or so before the end of the session, we can lament that the pressure for budget action wasn't increased sooner, but at least, Quinn's declaration gives fair warning that now is the time to get things done.

Finally, we all have to accept that for the foreseeable future, we must expect less of state government. Education, local government, health care, social programs. The money simply is not there to do all that has been done in the past.

No one really expects Quinn's doomsday scenario to come to pass. Lawmakers, in fact, have all but dared him to write it into law. But his statement does provide some context for the waning session. Even with substantial cuts, it is hard to conceive that Illinois can make up a nearly $12 billion deficit without some hike in revenues; it's important to recognize that. But surely there is an answer that lies somewhere between a 50 percent income tax increase and a cynical slash-and-burn budget.

We just wish we were more confident lawmakers and the governor are looking for it.