SPRINGFIELD, IL - Illinois Republicans are criticizing Gov. Pat Quinn's budget address as short on specifics and light on job creation.

But GOP Treasurer Dan Rutherford says the Democratic governor's willingness to tackle growing public pension and Medicaid payment obligations gives him hope.

Quinn laid out a $33.8 billion general-revenue budget Wednesday — up 1.5 percent.

Quinn said pension payments will grow by $1 billion and the Medicaid health program is "near collapse" but called for cooperation on a fix without specific plans.

Rutherford says that's OK because Quinn has deadlines for suggested resolutions.

Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka says Quinn should announce his proposed solutions. She also criticized his plan to close prisons and mental hospitals.

GOP state party chairman Pat Brady slammed increased spending with "no strategic plan" for new jobs.