Rumors are swirling about an Illinois Senate GOP proposal to cut millions from Illinois' budget to help Gov. Quinn balance the $33 billion load.
The burning question: What will be cut?
The Sun-Times' Michael Sneed reports "nothing is off limits" in the Republicans' nearly $7 billion proposal, due to be unveiled as early as this week. That means, education could see cutbacks.
Sources told Sneed the end goal is to roll back the state income tax Quinn passed by the time the governor's term is complete.
Last week, the Chicago Tribune reported the GOP found $6 billion in spending cuts, but Republicans were mum about specifics.
In his 2012 budget proposal, Quinn proposed cutting Medicaid reimbursement to the tune of $552 million. That represents more than half of the proposed cuts.
Quinn also has said 868 school districts are "top heavy" and "too many."
He's especially upset with the pay of some 270 school superintendents that he notes are "far beyond what I make." In the long run, Quinn believes school leadership cuts could save the state $100 million.
