Gov. Quinn cuts state budget by $250M

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Gov. Pat Quinn used his line-item veto power to make minor cuts totaling $250 million to a $35.7 billion state budget plan he has called "incomplete."

The $250 million being eliminated was reserved for renovations of the state Capitol. The governor further directed state agencies to identify additional efficiencies. He also ordered the sale of nearly half of Illinois' airplanes.

"Reducing the budget and identifying additional efficiencies will help minimize the impact of cuts in vital services and maintain our hard-won fiscal gains," Quinn said in a statement. "While there's more work to do, we must ensure the state lives within its means."

Lawmakers passed the spending plan for the fiscal year that begins Tuesday after Democratic leaders couldn't find enough votes to extend Illinois' temporary income tax increase. Quinn lobbied in favor of the extension in the midst of a tough re-election campaign against Republican Bruce Rauner, who opposes it.

The lawmakers' plan doesn't allocate enough money to cover state expenses. It uses special funds for day-to-day operations and banks on possible future increases in revenue.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.