Governor Pat Quinn stopped by the University of Illinois Board of Trustees meeting in Chicago Thursday morning, his last as an ex-officio member.
The governor made a final pitch to extend the 2011 temporary state income tax hike, which is scheduled to drop beginning January 1st. Quinn says his budget plan, which was not approved by lawmakers in the Spring, included a boost in funds for the state's public colleges and universities.
"As you know, I proposed a budget this year that would've done, I think, important things for higher education across our state. I really feel that was the right thing to do. I don't apologize for it, I think we need to use our revenues in Illinois in a way that makes our state a better place to live."
Quinn also thanked three outgoing members of the board, including Chairman Chris Kennedy, who the governor appointed to the position after the University's "Category I" admissions scandal.
Governor-elect Bruce Rauner has the power to fill holes on the Board when he gains control of the governor's mansion in January.
