LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Gov. Quinn Proposes 2011 Budget

Education, Human Services Face Potentially Significant Cuts

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Gov. Pat Quinn proposed drastic cuts to educational and human service spending last week as he unveiled his budget proposal for the 2011 fiscal year.

Quinn’s budget would cut $2 billion in state spending—mostly to education—while borrowing $4.7 billion. An additional $6 billion in backlogged bills would be rolled over to the 2012 fiscal year.

The proposal also calls for the state to underfund its pension contribution by more than $300 million. Furlough days, renegotiated contracts and restricted state employee travel are recommended to generate more than $200 million.

Quinn’s budget would reduce local governments’ share of state income tax revenue from 10 percent to seven, generating an additional $300 million.

Additional key components of the budget include:
- More than $2 billion in various spending cuts;
- $1.3 billion in educational cuts;
- Reduced per-pupil funding;
- $400 million cut from grants for special education and student transportation;
- $100 million in cuts to state community colleges and universities;
- $276 million in cuts to human services, including mental health services, adult home care and child care;
- $325 million cut from prescription drug assistance programs, retiree group health and managed care;
- $4 billion generated through short-term borrowing; and
- Additional assistance requested from the federal  government.

Quinn has challenged the General Assembly to consider a one-percent income tax increase to avoid the costly educational cuts outlined. Legislative leaders
immediately felt such a tax increase would be unlikely to succeed.

Layoffs Threaten State Police
State police were also on the chopping block in Quinn’s proposal. Headcount reductions—including laying off sworn officers—were included, with the elimination of vacant positions and more than 100 retiring personnel.

Quinn’s budget suggested closing three district headquarters as well, which could lead to the loss of more than $12 million in citation revenue and leave more than 24 counties without 24-hour police protection.

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