Hynes Rips Quinn For Inciting 'Fear And Panic' Over Budget

SPRINGFIELD (AP) - Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes has some harsh words for the governor's handling of the budget crisis.

Hynes released an open letter to Gov. Pat Quinn on Tuesday.

In it, Hynes says Quinn has been inconsistent about how large a tax increase is needed. He also questions whether Quinn has done a thorough review of state spending to see where it could be cut.

Hynes accuses Quinn of inciting "fear and panic" by threatening cuts to vital state services.

He tells Quinn to start over on the budget and its massive deficit by passing a temporary spending plan. He says that would give officials time to reassure the public that they're not rushing into a tax increase.

Hynes and Quinn are both Democrats.

-ASSOCIATED PRESS

Comments

[Hans1967]

I wonder if Mr. Hynes understands that some of the “fear and panic” stems from the real fact that many social service agencies will close their doors on July 1st because the dollar amounts for their next contract have yet to be decided. Sadly an agency can not provide services to those in need when there is no money to pay them.

[crookedcountyillinois]

I think Quinn is almost as bad as Blagojevich. Think about it.....

Blago tried to extort money from a Children's Hospital in exchange for Medicare payments, and Quinn is threatening to close down Foster-care and programs for the developmentally disabled - while returning to the Air-Conditioned Governor's mansion in Springfield.

I keep saying this over and over, but I'll say it again. Why do all the lawmakers sit in those fancy leather seats? You know those aren't cheap. And it's not cheap to put Jesse White's name on everything having to do with the Secretary of State.

And don't even get me started on the state pension plans - especially the top 100 pension earners.