SPRINGFIELD - They began arriving at the Statehouse early Tuesday, by wheelchair, walker and baby stroller. | Photo gallery

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 citizens from cradle to grave.

They were hot, loud and demanding, but despite their outcry, lawmakers continued to balk at the idea of an income tax increase to avoid those budget cuts.

Quinn, who had hoped lawmakers would vote on a temporary income tax increase as early as Wednesday, told reporters he now hopes something happens by June 30, which is the final day of the state's fiscal year.

"Its 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.

Although Quinn says an income tax hike is needed to close an $11.6 billion budget gap, some Democrats in the Illinois House say the state might need only $2 billion more to meet Quinn's spending demands and avoid the deep cuts feared by Tuesday's protesters.

State Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley, said a plan to borrow money from state pension programs at low interest rates could free up more than $2 billion for next year. That plan, paired with other smaller money-generating measures approved in May, could reduce the amount between what the state takes in and what Quinn wants to $2 billion, Mautino said.

Quinn insists that a tax hike is still needed.

"We have a calamity that has descended upon us," the governor said.

State Rep. Mike Boland, D-East Moline, said some minds, including his, might be changing about a tax increase.

"But right now, I would say there's still not enough votes by a long shot," Boland said.

Who was there

That's not what the estimated 5,000 protesting at the Capitol Tuesday wanted to hear.

Among them was Melvin Jones of Decatur, 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 the seniors could lose their care.

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

The protest - timed to coincide with the first day of a special session on the budget - was aimed at pressuring lawmakers into resolving the state's latest political stalemate.

The Senate, which already has approved an income and service tax increase, is waiting for the House to make its next move.

No action on a tax hike is expected this week, but Quinn Tuesday tried to soften up Republicans by lowering the proposed tax increase for corporations from 7.2 percent to an unspecified, lower figure.

"Some of our Republican friends I think would be interested in seeing that happen," Quinn said.

State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, however, was skeptical that alone would change enough minds.

"I don't believe that's the magic wand," Brady said.

GOP leaders want a series of ethical and financial reforms put in place before they agree to support higher taxes.

Quinn wouldn't say exactly when he'd start swinging the budget axe if lawmakers don't approve a tax hike before the fiscal year ends.

"I just can't believe that legislators of both parties will accept that dire outcome," Quinn said. "I am not going to preside over a dismantling of that fundamental human safety net that we are proud of in Illinois."

Related

• Republicans want a temporary budget soon