Gov. Pat Quinn plans to propose a budget that would keep Illinois' government afloat mostly by borrowing money and letting bills go unpaid.
But Tuesday his aides hinted that Quinn might also discuss raising taxes as an alternative.
With Illinois revenues falling and expenses climbing, one thing is sure: Gov. Quinn's plan to reduce the state's $13 billion deficit will include deep funding reductions to major state services.
The plan includes a $1.3 billion decrease in education spending, which his budget director David Vaught says could leave 17,000 teachers without jobs.
Quinn will also propose the state police lose $32 million.
Another $150 million trimmed from human services like child care for the working poor.
State governments could also receive $300 million less in fiscal year 2011.
As Quinn's aides presented the plan Tuesday, they pointed out these proposed cuts will still leave a deficit of about $5 billion, add that to last year's $6 billion deficit.
"After the proposed cuts, we still have an $11 billion problem," said Vaught.
"This budget shows the consequence of inaction last year. Had we raised taxes last year as the governor called for, we wouldn't be seeing deficits of this scope."
On Wednesday Quinn is expected to ask for an income tax hike to fill that $11 billion gap.
His aides also say Quinn is reviewing more than 250 government contracts from the Blagojevich administration, each at $1 million or more to see if they can be reduced or re-bid.
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