Local lawmakers call special budget meeting 'bizarre'

SPRINGFIELD - Against the backdrop of thousands of people who rely on state services descending on the state Capitol to protest budget cuts, lawmakers return today under orders from the governor to reconsider a tax increase rejected just a few weeks ago.

But interviews Monday with several suburban lawmakers suggest little has changed to sway tax hike opponents even as a July 1 new budget year and so-called "doomsday budget" draw near.

"I really don't know why we're going back," said Batavia Republican state Rep. Tim Schmitz, "the numbers haven't changed."

Those numbers are daunting. A nearly $12 billion deficit over two years and a proposed 50 percent hike in the personal and corporate income tax for the next two years to help plug it.

That plan was voted down last month by the Illinois House. Now, because lawmakers blew past their May 31 deadline for a budget deal, it means passing a tax increase or budget cuts will need even more votes in the 118-member House and 59-member Senate. Approval of anything now requires 71 votes in the House and 36 in the Senate.

At least in the House, that brings the political minority Republicans into play and they've said they won't even consider higher taxes until "fundamental" changes occur in state health care and pension systems.

"The whole thing is just absolutely bizarre," said state Rep. Suzie Bassi, a Palatine Republican. "My concern is we're going to come down there and just spin our wheels like we have the past six years."

The "temporary" tax hike pushed by Gov. Pat Quinn got just 42 votes - all Democrats - the first time. Quinn told reporters Monday he was "optimistic" things would change in the coming days.

"We've got to do heroic things in the next eight days," Quinn said at a Springfield appearance.

But exactly what is going to happen - if anything - remains unclear. Barring new budget developments, another House vote on the tax hike might not occur. Negotiations among leaders appear to be at a standstill.

Meanwhile, suburban lawmakers say they've been under constant criticism from social service agencies who'd lose much of their state funding in July and may have to resort to layoffs and stop caring for foster children, the developmentally disabled, addicted and abused. An estimated 5,000 officials, employees and people served by such programs have a rally planned today at the Capitol.

State Rep. Ed Sullivan Jr., a Mundelein Republican, said he was protested and picketed while marching with his wife and two young children at this past weekend's Libertyville Days parade by local social service groups scared into a frenzy by the governor's doomsday talk.

"It is absolutely immoral what the governor is doing," Sullivan said of the governor's tactic. "If you want to picket me, that's great. But leave kids out of it."

Quinn and his aides defended their actions as simply telling these groups what's likely to happen in the next budget year under the budget lawmakers approved - but have yet to send to his desk. That plan only has enough spending for roughly half the year. Quinn has derided it as "half baked" and unacceptable.

"It is not a tactic," he said of the possible cuts to social service agencies. But at the same time, Quinn hedged when asked Monday if he's really going through with such cuts. Instead, he said he was "optimistic" lawmakers would come though with a tax increase.

Special session at a glance

Lunch money: After their May 31 deadline, lawmakers don't get taxpayer-provided hotel and meal money while in Springfield unless there's a special session. Quinn's call for such a session means they get $132 daily for food and housing, plus mileage reimbursement of 58.5 cents a mile for the commute to the Capitol. The total cost of special sessions can reach upward of $42,000 daily.

The agenda: Gov. Pat Quinn wants lawmakers to take another run at a 50 percent increase in the personal and corporate income tax rates to help fill a nearly $12 billion deficit. The House voted that down last month while the Senate approved a different tax play that was never considered by the House.

Head count: Because lawmakers missed the May 31 deadline, a budget deal needs the support of 60 percent of members. That's 71 in the 118-member House and 36 in the 59-member Senate and, at least in the House, brings the minority party Republicans to the table.

Key date: July 1 is the start of the next budget year.