Illinois Governor Pat Quinn tackles jobs, education and tax relief and some major local projects during his annual State of the State speech to legislators in Springfield Wednesday.
Quinn also specifically mentioned our area several times, talking about the Dodge Dart production at the Chrysler plant in Belvidere, Rockford's project to destroy and remake the Morgan Street Bridge area, and the approval of a new Amtrak hub in downtown Rockford.
We will have a full recap complete with local reaction tonight on 13 News at 5:00 and 6:00.
Quinn's full speech will be posted to this page in two parts later this afternoon.
Below you can read additional coverage of the speech from The Associated Press.
Quinn: End natural gas tax, give families relief
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Gov. Pat Quinn is going to use his State of the State address to call for ending an Illinois tax on natural gas.
The prepared text of his speech also shows him proposing the creation of a new tax credit for parents with children. He says it will save $100 a year for the average family of four.
The Democratic governor also says Illinois should expand an existing tax credit for companies that hire unemployed veterans.
Quinn's speech Wednesday says ending the natural gas utility tax will help businesses and families alike. He says Illinois would be the only state in the Midwest without that tax, giving businesses an advantage.
Quinn: Reforms make IL better place for business
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Gov. Pat Quinn says Illinois is a better place to do business today, despite frequent complaints about taxes, regulation and other costs.
The Democratic governor says Illinois has overhauled workers' compensation, lowered unemployment insurance costs and improved roads and bridges. All that and more has improved the business climate, Quinn said.
He did not address the income tax increase approved a year ago. Critics say it has been a burden on Illinois businesses.
Quinn also took a swipe at Indiana by saying Illinois still believes in the right of workers to organize. Indiana is on the verge of passing a "right to work" law that bars unions from requiring non-members to pay fees for representation.
Quinn: More adults should get college degrees
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Gov. Pat Quinn says he wants to boost the number of adults who get college degrees or career certificates.
In his State of the State address Wednesday, Quinn said Illinois should set a goal of having 60 percent of adults getting that training by 2025.
He says only 43 percent are finishing some sort of post-high school education today.
Quinn asked lawmakers to spend more money on college scholarships, but he did not propose a specific figure.
Quinn says this is part of his "Jobs Agenda" that also includes ending a natural gas tax and giving credits to parents and to businesses that hire veterans.
Quinn announces creation of export council
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Gov. Pat Quinn is forming an advisory council on exports headed by Navistar CEO Dan Ustian.
Quinn says the idea is to help the state continue growing its exports. The council's goal will be to double exports by 2014.
The Democrat announced the council Wednesday during his State of the State address. The speech is focused on job creation and economic growth.
Quinn met with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton last month to discuss exports.
He's planning a trade mission to Brazil later this year, which he says is the state's fifth-largest trading partner.
Vehicle and engine maker Navistar International Corp. is moving its company's headquarters from Warrenville to Lisle.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
