By Susie An, WBEZ
Chicago – Illinois Governor Pat Quinn says he'll still press for an income tax hike even though he has received no assurances that a bill would pass the General Assembly.
The governor will give his budget address next week.
Quinn says he discussed a tax increase with House Speaker Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton last week.
""I don't think they're cheerleaders for it," Quinn said. "But we have to do what we have to do for the people. We have to understand that the common good comes first. We put people before politics."
Quinn proposed a 50-percent hike in the income tax rate last year. The measure passed in the Senate but stalled in the House.
Spokesmen for Madigan and Cullerton say both would vote in favor of an income tax hike. But they say the measure must first gain bipartisan support.