Illinois State Representative Kay Hatcher provided the following news release:

In his annual State of the State address on Feb. 1 Governor Quinn pledged to focus on job creation and tax relief, but his actions since taking office are at odds with those goals, said Rep. Kay Hatcher (R-Yorkville).

“It’s good to hear the governor talking about fostering job creation and providing tax relief, but actions speak louder than words. Just last year the Governor imposed a 67% income tax increase on working families- the largest in Illinois history. He also signed into law a job-killing business tax increase that has employers leaving Illinois or demanding exemptions from the high taxes to stay,” Hatcher said.

According to Rep. Hatcher, the Governor touched briefly today on the need for Medicaid and pension reforms to help stabilize the state budget but did not offer specific proposals.

“I understand that part of the Governor’s job is to talk about what’s good about Illinois and I was honored that he mentioned legislation I passed last year to help shield military families from protests during funerals. But given the magnitude of our budget crisis I was surprised and a bit concerned that the governor didn’t even mention our mountain of unpaid bills that is currently $8.5 billion and growing,” Hatcher said.

“Skyrocketing Medicaid costs are strangling our budget. Today the Governor acknowledged that fact, but again didn’t offer ideas on how to curb costs. In fact, the Quinn administration has failed to implement up to $1 billion in cost-saving Medicaid reforms already passed into law,” Hatcher said. “The Governor will give his Budget Address in three weeks. I sincerely hope he will use that opportunity to provide the concrete ideas and proposals for fulfilling his promises that were lacking today.