Early reports predicted Gov. Pat Quinn wouldn't broach the topic of an income tax hike during his second State of the State address this afternoon. Although it took him 45 minutes to do so, the Democrat renewed his push for tax reform, both as a way to fund critical services and create more equity in the state's regressive tax system. "There's a principle as old as the Bible," Quinn said, "that taxes should be based on the ability to pay."

But Quinn didn't include specific details about what shape he prefers the tax reform package to take. The Tribune has more:

Unlike last year, when Quinn called for a 50 percent increase in the income tax rate, the governor did not lay out the specifics of what he wants in a tax increase.

But given a budget deficit of $13 billion or more, Quinn said he's looking for "a fair way to raise revenue" from a "fair tax code."

The Responsible Budget Coalition (RBC) fired off a quick statement following the speech, renewing their support for HB 174, the comprehensive tax-reform package passed last year by the Illinois Senate. From a press release:

"The governor spoke today about the Illinois budget, what we believe is the most urgent issue facing our state. That broken budget is now a full-blown crisis. Each day we hear of new, devastating cuts to schools, health care, human services and public safety in every part of the state. Basic services for every Illinois resident are on the brink of collapse, more than 100,000 jobs providing those services in the public and private sectors are threatened, and lawmakers will return to Springfield in February to an even bleaker picture. We have to confront this crisis--not with more painful cuts and payment delays, but with a balanced approach that includes responsible tax reform. Responsible reform like House Bill 174 will raise adequate revenue and make taxes fairer. It is essential to protecting public services, jobs and our economy, and it has to be Job One."

Today, RBC and Voices for Illinois Children are also holding a statewide call-in to legislators. For those interested in participating, the Heartland Alliance has more details on their blog.

Capitol Fax has more reactions to the speech.  And in related news, the Quinn campaign released a video recounting his first year in office.  Watch it below:

 Full disclosure: The SEIU Illinois State Council, which sponsors this website, is a member of the RBC.