In the News

Daily Herald, January 13, 2010

State Rep. Fred Crespo, a Hoffman Estates Democrat

"I'm not sure what the expectations were - it is a State of the State. He rehashed a lot of the things we already know. It would've been nice if he would have outlined more of the plans and spent more time on that."

State Sen. Susan Garrett, a Lake Forest Democrat

"Gov. Quinn projected a tone of trust. He focused on sincerity versus scandal and sent the message that, under his leadership, Illinois will meet its financial and ethical obligations. He set the table for the most challenging budget to come before the state - the details to his plans will be critical."

House Republican leader Tom Cross, of Oswego

"The reality is we can't afford all the things he likes."

State Rep. Michael Connelly, a Lisle Republican

"It was obvious after hearing his speech today the governor is more focused on getting through the February primary than fixing the problems in Illinois."

State. Sen. Chris Lauzen, an Aurora Republican

"If having a high tax structure in a state was the solution to fiscal solvency - then California, Connecticut and New Jersey would be the examples of balanced budgets, and they're some of the worst. So really, the solution is self-discipline."

State Rep. Jack Franks, a Marengo Democrat

"I thought his speaking style is a lot like his governing style: It had no clear message and no clear plan. We're in a fiscal crisis, and he spent 45 minutes on other issues before he brought up the 800-pound gorilla in the room, then spent three minutes on that issue and offered no new ideas."

State Sen. Dan Cronin, an Elmhurst Republican

"We've got to get a handle on the pensions, and he hasn't addressed it - The public pensions are killing us, and I don't think he even acknowledged them in his speech. Looking at the budget, we're going to have to make some spending reductions."

State Sen. Linda Holmes, an Aurora Democrat

"My background is that of a small-business owner, so I was actually very encouraged to hear that he does understand the importance of having a focus on creating jobs, which I think needs to be the top priority in Illinois right now."

State Sen. Dan Duffy, a Barrington Republican

"I don't know whether the speech was about highlights or lowlights, but he talked about ethics, which I find surprising because he's the one who turned his back on his commission that he hand-picked."