SPRINGFIELD - They began arriving at the Capitol early Tuesday, by wheelchair, walker and baby stroller. | MyPantagraph: Political Junkies Group | Quinn, Nixon pledge high-speed rail cooperation | Illinois stimulus money at $2 billion and counting

Clad mostly in black, weathering temperatures in the mid-90s, thousands of Illinoisans descended on the Capitol grounds to implore lawmakers to reverse Gov. Pat Quinn's threatened budget cuts affecting the state's neediest residents from cradle to grave.

They were hot, loud and demanding, but it could be more than a week before anyone knows if their voices were heard.

Quinn, who had hoped lawmakers would vote on a temporary income tax increase as early as today, told reporters he now hopes something happens by Tuesday, which is the final day of the state's fiscal year.

"It's going to be a tough battle this next week. But I really feel energized by all these people who have come from every part of Illinois," Quinn said.

Among the estimated 5,000 at the Capitol was Melvin Jones of Decatur.

Jones cares for four senior citizens in their homes through a state program that could see its funding cut in half if no additional revenue is approved by lawmakers.

Not only is his job in jeopardy, but also the seniors could lose their care.

"What are they going to do?" Jones said.

The protest was designed to pressure lawmakers into resolving the state's lingering budget impasse. After weeks of hearing how Quinn's proposed cuts would devastate local social service providers, lawmakers are meeting in a special session this week.

Although the Illinois Senate approved a proposed income and service tax increase that would raise about $5 billion before they left town June 1, Republicans and Democrats in the House have balked at raising taxes to help close an $11.6 billion budget deficit.

In fact, House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, made no mention of holding a vote on the controversial idea this week in a memo to members of his caucus.

A tax increase in the House would need Republican support, but GOP leaders say they want more reforms before agreeing to put votes on a proposal.

Quinn wants a two-year increase in the income tax from its current level of 3 percent to 4.5 percent. He hopes to lure Republicans on board by lowering the proposed increase for corporations from 7.2 percent to an unspecified, lower figure.