March 10, 2010
                                                                                                                                            
The Fiscal Year 2011 budget proposal is unbalanced, irresponsible and unconstitutional said Sen. Dillard.

Dillard, who has voted against five of the last six state budgets, said that Illinois’ current budget deficit clearly shows how the Democrat majority’s fiscal mismanagement has driven Illinois’ finances into the ground; however, he said this may be the most irresponsible budget he’s seen submitted.

“Clearly the Democrats are borrowing and spending Illinois into bankruptcy,” said Sen. Dillard. “Quinn’s budget proposes spending that is almost $5 billion more than what the state’s revenues are estimated to be, meaning Gov. Quinn’s budget proposal is almost $5 billion out of balance. Aside from being completely negligent, that is a violation of the state’s constitution.”

Dillard pointed to Article VIII, Section 2 of the Illinois Constitution that says, “The Governor shall prepare and submit to the General Assembly, at the time prescribed by law, a State budget for the ensuing fiscal year.” It also says, “Proposed expenditures shall not exceed funds estimated to be available for the fiscal year as shown in the budget.”

Quinn has repeatedly called for a tax increase, and during his budget address called for a 1 percent income tax surcharge for education. That is a $3 billion tax hike. Dillard said that it is likely Quinn plans to defer an even larger tax increase until the conclusion of the November election.

“Hiding in the shadows is a plan for a major tax hike next January. In the meantime, the Governor and the Democrat majority will keep digging the hole deeper and deeper,” Dillard said.