Tagged: State of the State speech

The largest public employees union in Illinois said Governor Pat Quinn is a hypocrite and its members took their complaint to the state Capitol one day after the governor gave his State of the State speech.

AFSCME said Quinn's announcements of new programs don't square with his stance that Illinois is too broke to afford union pay raises.

The  union represents prison guards, welfare counselors, and thousands of clerical and administrative state employees.

AFSCME said it's time for Quinn to change his mind  and pay the raises state workers were guaranteed.

State Senator John Sullivan (D-47) said Governor Pat Quinn will have to work hard to convince lawmakers to pass initiatives laid out in the  State of the State speech.

But the Rushville Democrat said one of  Governor Quinn's initiatives should receive bi-partisan support.  It's the tax credit for businesses to hire returning veterans.

State Representative Norine Hammond (R-94) is taking a wait-and-see attitude after hearing Illinois Governor Pat Quinn's State of the State speech.

She said she could support Quinn's plan to increase funding for the Monetary Award Program.  It provides grants to college students.  She has a few reservations.

Hammond said,  “To increase MAP grants, if we have the funding-and again I think it's a big 'if'-it is something that I could certainly support.”