Illinois Gov. Quinn OKs tax amnesty program

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.

Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn has approved a tax amnesty program that officials hope will raise $250 million this fall.

Quinn signed a law Monday allowing people who are overdue on taxes over the past eight years to pay before facing doubled penalty and interest payments.

People owing the state any taxes due from July 1, 2002 through July 1, 2009 may pay during the amnesty period of Oct. 1 to Nov. 8.

Revenue Department spokeswoman Sue Hofer said the idea is to bring in overdue tax money more quickly than if officials continued to pursue collection efforts without the incentive.

Republican Bill Brady was the Senate's lone vote against the measure in May. He's Quinn's opponent for governor in the fall election.