Illinois Governor Pat Quinn says he’s banking on Democratic leaders in the legislature to support his call for an income tax increase to help balance the budget. Speaker of the Illinois House Michael Madigan has resisted legislation to raise the income tax even though the Illinois Senate, under Chicago Democrat John Cullerton, approved a tax increase last year.

“I think it’s time to realize that it’s important to do that, whether it’s Mike Madigan or John Cullerton or any other member of the legislature, it’s time to put Illinois first,” Quinn said.

The state is facing a $13 billion budget deficit. Quinn said he does not support an expansion of gambling to balance the budget.

State legislators are scheduled to gather next week to begin the fall veto session and the newly-elected governor joined Eight Forty-Eight Tuesday to talk about his priorities.