Governor Quinn Vetoes Budget Bill; Calls for $1 Billion in Cuts

CHICAGO – July 7, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today vetoed House Bill 2145 saying the General Assembly’s bill fails to make any significant cuts in state operations. Instead, the Governor proposed passing a responsible “Tough Choices” budget, which calls for cutting an additional $1 billion in state costs.

“I am vetoing this bill in its entirety because it favors preserving the government status quo and fails to make the necessary cuts and reductions in state government operations,” said Governor Quinn. “It does not reflect the spirit of shared sacrifice that must prevail throughout our state government, particularly during these harsh economic times.”

HB 2145 appropriates $3.8 billion to fund state operations. However, HB 2145 fails to adequately cut the cost of state operations, including the budget of the General Assembly and other Constitutional Officers, including the Attorney General, Treasurer, Comptroller and Secretary of State. (Attached is the Governor’s veto message)

Governor Quinn said the General Assembly and all statewide officers should cut their budgets by at least 10 percent, a cost-cutting move that includes an option of ordering up to 12 furlough days for all employees.

“I presented my budget to the General Assembly on March 18 with a clear message: When it comes to making cuts, we have to make tough choices, not bad choices. It was true then and it’s true today,” said Governor Quinn. “My goal has always been to pass a fair and comprehensive state budget that serves the fundamental needs of the people of Illinois.”

The Governor’s “Tough Choices” budget proposes cutting $1 billion from the state budget including:

• $185 million from state operations, including approximately 2,600 layoffs and 12 furlough days for state employees
• $140 million from Medicaid and health insurance
• $250 million in targeted reductions in grant programs
• $125 million from the Department of Corrections
• $175 million cut from proposed increases for K-12 education
• $25 million from other state offices, departments and agencies not under the Governor
• $100 million in additional reserves