Local lawmakers urge Quinn to focus on jobs, budget fix

SPRINGFIELD - Suburban lawmakers hope to get a glimpse at how Gov. Pat Quinn plans to fix the crumbling state budget when he steps to the microphone today to give a State of the State speech.

"I would like to hear a very honest appraisal of the fiscal condition of the state and if we fail to take appropriate action what the real-life consequences will be," said state Rep. Elaine Nekritz, a Northbrook Democrat.

Quinn's speech is slated for noon today in the Illinois House. It comes just weeks before voters go to the primary polls to decide whether Quinn or state Comptroller Dan Hynes will win the party nomination for governor.

The event has an inescapable political feel to it. Aside from Quinn and Hynes, many of the Republicans running for governor have scheduled news conferences today to react to whatever Quinn says.

On Monday, Quinn's media office offered no early hints, but the governor is expected to talk about his efforts to balance state spending, environmental policies and advocacy of veterans' issues.

Suburban lawmakers said the focus should be on state finances and providing an early indication of what Quinn plans to unveil in his budget address, currently scheduled for later this month, after the Feb. 2 primary.

State Rep. Tim Schmitz, a Republican from Batavia, said it's difficult to imagine the governor addressing issues beyond the budget with a deficit that approaches $12 billion.

"That's what I'm wondering - if we'll get some numbers tomorrow, or quite, frankly, is it going to be a campaign speech?" Schmitz said.

State Rep. Suzanne Bassi, a Palatine Republican, called the state's financial situation a "god awful mess" and hopes Quinn's address will suggest spending cuts.

"I hope to goodness this man can get his act together and provide leadership to get us out of this mess," Bassi said.

Republicans and Democrats urged Quinn to focus on jobs.

"Because in the end, creating jobs is our No. 1 priority today, along with balancing the budget," said state Rep. Michael Connelly, a Lisle Republican.

"He better start working arm-in-arm with us to make (job creation) successful," added Yorkville Republican state Rep. Kay Hatcher.

Arlington Heights Democratic state Rep. Mark Walker also said Quinn should outline a plan to "bring jobs back to Illinois."

These State of the State speeches had become a rarity in recent years as governors often chose to combine them with budget speeches. Some see political motivation in Quinn's decision to give one now.

State Rep. Ed Sullivan Jr., a Mundelein Republican, said the governor's speech would be "absolute political grandstanding."

State Sen. Matt Murphy, a Palatine Republican running for lieutenant governor agreed. "There's a primary three weeks away. I think he's going to make it an opportunity to appeal to primary voters and try to get himself elected," Murphy said.

But state Sen. Dan Kotowski, a Park Ridge Democrat, doubted there's a political motivation.

"The governor is typically focused on policy, and it's my expectation he'll be focusing on what we owe as a state, the job creation issue and how he'll achieve his goals this year," said Kotowski.

Staff writer John Patterson contributed to this report.