SPRINGFIELD - It will be at least two weeks before Illinois gets a budget on the books.

Under a plan that emerged Wednesday, lawmakers will return to the state Capitol on July 14 in hopes of breaking a logjam that has left the state without a way to pay its bills.

Gov. Pat Quinn seemed unfazed Wednesday by the delay, telling reporters that the state would continue to function in the absence of a budget.

Members of the House and Senate left Springfield on Tuesday without approving an income tax hike. Without the added revenue, Quinn on Wednesday vetoed part of the budget sent to him by lawmakers in May because he said it doesn't contain enough money to keep state programs afloat for a full year.

"This bill does not effectively address Illinois' growing budgetary and economic calamity," Quinn said in his first veto message since taking over after former Gov. Rod Blagojevich was ousted in January.

The impasse left many who rely on state funding in limbo. Quinn said social service agencies and others who continue to provide services "do so at the risk of not being paid."

That drew a rebuke from Comptroller Dan Hynes, who said Quinn is "adding to the hysteria by creating doubt and potentially causing disruption to these essential services."

"The governor's statement is the wrong message and borders on the irresponsible," said Hynes, who manages the state's checkbook. "He needs to communicate to our social service providers that they need to continue providing services and they will be paid."

The effect on other state services may be virtually unnoticeable for at least a few more weeks. The first round of paychecks for July doesn't go out until the middle of the month.

"Until a budget is in place, the state has very limited authority to pay its vendors and grantees," Quinn said. "The state, however, will continue to operate and provide essential services to protect the health, safety and welfare of Illinois citizens, such as maintaining prisons and providing emergency services and legally required social services."

Quinn wants lawmakers to approve a 50 percent boost in the income tax rate as a way to generate an estimated $4 billion. That revenue would help fill a budget deficit of $11.6 billion.

Lawmakers who have balked at an income tax hike said Quinn needs to show he's ready to negotiate in good faith.

For example, state Rep. Bob Flider, D-Mount Zion, said Quinn should sign legislation enacting a statewide construction program because the added jobs could jumpstart the economy.

"He's put all his marbles in the tax increase basket," Flider said.

House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, criticized Quinn for switching his position on various issues, including his work to defeat a pension borrowing plan after praising it just hours earlier.

"It's not good to do flip-flops," Madigan said. "They are not helpful to his credibility."

Although Quinn could call lawmakers into session before July 14, legislative leaders say that date was set aside after they surveyed members to determine when they all would be available to resume negotiations.

kurt.erickson@lee.net|789-0865