Reactions to Quinn’s ‘State of the State’ speech
February 1, 2012 10:34PM
State Sen. Ed Maloney (D-Chicago, right)
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Updated: March 3, 2012 11:37AM
State Sen. Ed Maloney (D-Chicago)
Maloney said he liked what he heard from Gov. Pat Quinn, “but the question is how to pay for it.” That will be answered in three weeks when the governor gives his budget address, Maloney said.
As chairman of the education committee, Maloney was glad to see an increase in the Monetary Award Program for college students.
“This gives more students an opportunity,” he said. “In this economy we should be focusing on higher education.”
State Rep. Renee Kosel (R-New Lenox)
“Another day in never never land! The governor just finished his State of the State address, and he had some wonderful comments till he came to the part about spending lots of money we don’t have. Lots of money we don’t have.”
State Rep. Kelly Burke (D-Evergreen Park)
“It was a good speech. He highlighted the progress we made on the jobs front, and touched on some good issues” such as birth-to-age 3 education and Medicaid reform, she said. “We’ve got plenty of work to do. We’ll have to see what his budget priorities are. That’s when we’ll get down to the nitty-gritty.”
State Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego)
“Elections should not be an excuse to ignore big problems like Medicaid/pension reform. That is what got our state into trouble in the first place. Our caucus is focused on doing the right thing ... we are willing to tackle big issues.”
Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka
“First let me say that I appreciate the governor laying out his agenda today. His speech was full of heart, and I think most of us appreciate his sincere concern for those who are struggling. But his approach is a little like putting dessert on the table before the vegetables. We must get our fiscal house in order before we can even talk about more tax breaks and incentives. Instead of targeting certain segments of the population, we need to remain focused on the needs of the entire state. All of Illinois benefits from lower taxes and the jobs that a better tax climate will create. To that end, the ultimate goal of our leaders should be to put us in position to eliminate last year’s tax increase, while balancing our books. I stand ready to work with the governor to tackle the greatest issues of our day: Medicaid, pensions and a slowly recovering economy.”
Doug Whitley
The president and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce said some businesses that are heavy users of natural gas would benefit should the utility tax on gas be eliminated, and he was impressed with the governor’s call for investment in water and sewer systems.
“The need to invest in infrastructure doesn’t stop with roads and bridges,” Whitley said.
He also said Quinn’s formation of an international business advisory council is long overdue.
Kim Maisch
The Illinois director of the National Federation of Independent Business said Quinn’s proposed tax cuts wouldn’t do much to help small businesses. She said abolishing the natural gas utility tax would help larger manufacturers, and the veterans hiring tax credit will help only employers who plan to hire. The federation previously has said that many of its members are reluctant to hire until they see stronger proof of an economic recovery.
“Those are worthwhile initiatives, but they are very narrow and the effect on the economy will be negligible,” she said.
Compiled by Susan DeMar Lafferty, Mike Nolan and Sun-Times Media
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