CHICAGO (AP) - Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn says he’s glad Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel removed language imposing a property tax hike from legislation to address the city’s pension crisis.
But Quinn declined to say Tuesday whether he’ll sign the bill.
Emanuel wants to cut retirement benefits and raise property taxes by $750 million over five years to reduce Chicago’s $20 billion pension debt.
But Quinn and other lawmakers who must approve pension changes balked at voting to raise property taxes.
Hours after Quinn said Monday he wouldn’t support an increase, House Speaker Michael Madigan amended the legislation to place all revenue decisions on the Chicago City Council.
The Illinois House approved the measure Tuesday, sending it to the Senate.
Quinn says officials should look at other revenue options, such as closing tax loopholes.
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