Quinn beats drum for tax increase after election

CHICAGO (AP) — Gov. Pat Quinn said Tuesday that an income tax increase to help fund Illinois schools is the top priority as the state struggles with a budget deficit that could soon reach $15 billion.

Quinn said that was the meaning of his close election win last week over Republican state Sen. Bill Brady, who had flatly rejected raising taxes.

"The message of this election is we have to fund our schools and we have to do it in a proper way and we're going to keep that message going as long as necessary to make sure legislators keep their eye on the ball," Quinn said after unveiling the latest Illinois Lottery ticket, which raises money for veterans programs.

It was …