State budget tops legislative agenda

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- This will be a very busy week in Springfield as the spring legislative session is in its final days, and the state budget tops the agenda.

Lawmakers must decide whether to extend the temporary income tax increase or cut billions of dollars from state programs.

Governor Pat Quinn is hoping members of both parties will come together and approve the budget.

"I believe in working together with everybody to do the right thing," Quinn said. "It's before an election I know, but the reason I was elected by the people in the last election is I'm straight forward with the people of Illinois. I tell the people what they need to know with respect to making sure we have a strong state."

This year, extending the state income tax increase would cost the average taxpayer $1,100.