Patrick Quinn

1) Ill. governor signs new budget, outlines deep cuts “Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has signed a state budget that cuts spending and has warned that further cuts are likely. The new budget includes $1.4 billion in cuts to schools, hospitals and prisons as the state grapples with a roughly $13 billion deficit — the biggest deficit in its history. But Quinn postponed a decision that could lead to far more painful cuts. The Chicago Democrat didn’t say how he’ll make $3.7 billion in payments...Read Full Story

1) Ill. governor signs new budget, outlines deep cuts “Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has signed a state budget that cuts spending and has warned that further cuts are likely. The new budget includes $1.4 billion in cuts to schools, hospitals and prisons as the state grapples with a roughly $13 billion deficit — the biggest deficit in its history. But Quinn postponed a decision that could lead to far more painful cuts. The Chicago Democrat didn’t say how he’ll make $3.7 billion in payments...Read Full Story

1) Ill. governor signs new budget, outlines deep cuts “Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has signed a state budget that cuts spending and has warned that further cuts are likely. The new budget includes $1.4 billion in cuts to schools, hospitals and prisons as the state grapples with a roughly $13 billion deficit — the biggest deficit in its history. But Quinn postponed a decision that could lead to far more painful cuts. The Chicago Democrat didn’t say how he’ll make $3.7 billion in payments...Read Full Story

Despite accusing his opponent of offering vague fairy tales, Gov. Pat Quinn provided only a hazy picture Monday of his own plans for guiding Illinois through a paralyzing budget crisis and moving the state forward after the emergency is over. In an interview with The Associated Press , Quinn, 61, said closing a $13 billion deficit depends on spending more on education. He hopes "investing in people" will help the Illinois economy grow and produce more money for state government. The Chicago...Read Full Story

The latest on SB1716, the Illinois civil unions legislation that Gov. Pat Quinn has urged legislators to fast track. The bill has passed the House 61-52 and now moves to the Senate. Senate  passes SB1716 on a 6-2 partyline vote . "Sponsoring Sen. David Koehler, D-Peoria, said the measure took on a special meaning to him because he has a daughter who is gay." The Illinois General Assembly is expected to vote this afternoon on the legislation. Supporters are lining up the final votes they...Read Full Story

Gov. Pat Quinn has reached a deal with a major union that could save the Illinois government between $50 million and $100 million while barring layoffs of most state employees, both sides said Monday. Under the agreement, the state won't cut jobs or close institutions until June 2012 if the union approves at least $50 million in cost-cutting measures, said Anders Lindall, Illinois spokesman for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees . The savings, from steps such as...Read Full Story

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has signaled that he is ready to go forward with civil unions legislation. The Chicago Democrat, who recently narrowly won re-election with a substantial GOTV by gay activists over  ultra-conservative and anti-gay Republican Sen. Bill Brady, says the long dormant legislation could be considered as soon as Tuesday when lawmakers return to Springfield for their fall veto session, reports The Chicao Tribune . One piece of legislation Quinn hopes lawmakers will tackle...Read Full Story

Obama Dem Gop , (AP) — Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn is clinging to an extremely thin margin over Republican challenger Bill Brady, even as voters in the state and around the country toss Democrats out of office. With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Quinn and the state senator each have 46 percent of the vote. Quinn’s lead just more than 8,500 votes out of more than 3.6 million cast. He’s holding on after at least 10 other Democratic governors were been voted out of office. Republicans in...Read Full Story

Kansas City Star Quinn, Brady clash on taxes, jobs Chicago Tribune CARBONDALE — Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn and Republican state Sen. Bill Brady clashed on taxes and jobs Thursday night during a debate in southern Illinois. With less than three weeks before the Nov. 2 election, Brady repeatedly criticized Quinn for ... Ill. governor candidates talk jobs during debate Washington Post Governor candidates spare over jobs in southern Illinois debate FOX2now.com AP Interview: GOP nominee Brady says...Read Full Story

Gov. Pat Quinn signed a telecommunications law Tuesday that guarantees consumers low-cost options for landline telephone service while freeing companies from some state oversight. The new law overhauls an original telecommunications act that predated the widespread use of cell phones. Officials contend that changing the regulatory oversight will lead to increased competition in the market because the law allows telephone companies to change pricing and package details without having to wait...Read Full Story