In an address that was poorly received yesterday, mostly because of its lack of specificity, Gov. Pat Quinn renewed his push for tax reform as a way to fund critical services, pay down the state's debt, and create more equity in Illinois' regressive, outdated tax system. Lawmakers, however, were far from anxious to move forward with such a plan. Watch this WTTW clip, in which Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) asserts that the House can't pass an income tax increase unless some Republicans jump on board:

"We cannot do it by ourselves?" That's just not true. There are 70 Democrats in the House. It only takes 60 votes to pass a bill. That means nine tax-wary Dems could peel off and House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) would still have enough votes to approve an income tax increase. The speaker is just choosing not to do so without Republican cover.

It should be noted that this lack of political courage has very real consequences. Jewell Oates, from the Chicago-based Women's Treatment Center, explained the budget difficulties her social service organization is facing. WTC, which provides social services, medical care, and mental health treatment to roughly 1,200 area women and children annually, is owed $1.5 million in back payments from the state. These delays come after the organization was forced to cut two substantial programs over the past two years because of reduced state funding. Listen to her story on WBEZ's 848 this morning:

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Madigan doesn't have to lean on members in at-risk districts for every unpopular legislative initiative. But casting tough and sensible votes on issues of grave importance is what lawmakers are sent to Springfield to do. After all, what's the point of building a sizeable majority if you're scared to use it?