Patch Flash: Quinn Wants to Tax Smokers $1 More Per Pack
Governor proposes deep cuts to Medicaid program and medical providers.
Governor Pat Quinn outlined his proposal on Thursday to deal with the $2.7 billion deficit in the state’s health care program. Quinn’s plan includes a $1 per pack increase in the Illinois’ cigarette tax, extensive program cuts, and a major reduction in payments to medical providers, according to the State Journal Register. Quinn’s plan would cut nearly $1.4 billion from Medicaid programs themselves. About 215,000 people would lose benefits entirely, including 180,000 seniors who participate in Illinois Cares Rx, a prescription drug assistance program for low-income elderly, according to the State Jounral Register. "If we don't do this, the whole system will collapse," Quinn said, adding later, "It'll be broke. It'll be bankrupt,” …
Lennie Jarratt
5:13 pm on Sunday, April 22, 2012
Like @Carl said, it's the Democrats that keep voting Madigan in. THe money the union leaders dump into his race and other Dem races to keep control over this state is why we are broke. The union rank and file should be really ticked at how bad they have been treated by the Dems and their Union Leaders who have been taking their money and destroying their very jobs. @Jack, absolutely follow the … more ›