Democratic Governor Pat Quinn is set to deliver his 2012 State of the State address today (Wednesday, February 1) at noon in Springfield. On his agenda is a proposal for a tax cut for businesses that hire unemployed veterans, a push for increased spending on state grants for low-income college students, and a plan to fuel job creation statewide.  Talking to reporters on Tuesday in Chicago, Gov. Quinn stressed the importance of job-growth in Illinois, arguing “We have to have robust economic growth and jobs in order to be a good state.” Gov. Quinn’s address comes in the midst of a deep financial crisis in which the state is struggling to pay its bills and fund government services. According to the Chicago Sun-Times, a new report from the Civic Federation predicts the state’s unpaid bills could increase to $34.8 billion during the next four years, quadruple the amount it is now. However, Gov. Quinn and his party remain optimistic about his proposed investments and their impact on the future of the state.

The 2012 State of the State address will air live today at noon. Watch or listen here.

For a more detailed report of Gov. Quinn’s anticipated plan, check out this morning’s Sun-Times and Tribune articles.