Quinn backs off iTunes tax, still backs income tax hike

Chicago, IL - Gov. Pat Quinn is backing off a proposal to tax music and video downloads in an effort to plug the state's massive budget hole, saying he still believes raising the income tax is the best way to generate money for the state.

Quinn floated the idea of taxing downloads from online services such as iTunes in a meeting with legislative leaders earlier this week, but the proposal received a cold reception in Springfield.

Today, Quinn said he was simply offering suggestions on ways to solve the state's budget crisis and does not support the plan, which would have generated $5 million to $10 million a year.

"We had a meeting with the legislative leaders the other day, we made a list of all the possible things that could happen," Quinn said. "I didn't advocate that. I'm not interested in doing that, frankly."

Read more on Clout Street from the Chicago Tribune.