10:44 AM
You think oil is high now....and thought it couldn't go any higher, well guess again. Not good news, but Chakib Khelil, OPEC President, predicts oil to hit $170 a barrel by the end of the year. Prices are up 38 percent this quarter. A comparison: oil was $11 - $17 per barrel in the first quarter of 1999.
Read the Bloomberg story
Leading oil figures gather in Madrid today to talk about the high prices. This four-day event is known as the World Petroleum Congress.
9:19 PM
"Can you get us a new governor?", said one fairgoer to me at the Henry County Fair in Cambridge. I said yes but only with your help. And first things first, how about a new state senator for the 36th? People know that state government is broken and it needs fixed. They don't want tax increases and they are upset with the wasteful spending. They also have told me that they want someone in office who will fix the problems with good common sense solutions. One person said to me that they are sick of the partisanship. Why do the Democrats run everything and seem to keep the Republicans out?
One-party rule obviously isn't working and the time for change is now. More Republicans in office will counter some of the partisanship, but if these Republicans don't take the role of fixing the problems, all the Republicans in the world won't do any good.
The Henry County Fair was a good place to talk to folks and hear their concerns. There were many who realize that more and more of their tax dollars are going to Chicago and roads "around here" need fixing. To add to that, the transit system that downstate tax dollars subsidize is still under financial strain with no end in sight. Our district needs our problems addressed and we can't wait much longer. One might say we can only wait as long as it takes the cows to come home.
I spent four evenings at the fair and I thank the Henry County Republicans for their kind support. The hospitality was great and a big thank you to all who stopped by the booth to say hello and express your concerns and the need for change in Illinois. The exhibits were excellent and I was happy to see so many 4-Hers working to make a better future!
One-party rule obviously isn't working and the time for change is now. More Republicans in office will counter some of the partisanship, but if these Republicans don't take the role of fixing the problems, all the Republicans in the world won't do any good.
The Henry County Fair was a good place to talk to folks and hear their concerns. There were many who realize that more and more of their tax dollars are going to Chicago and roads "around here" need fixing. To add to that, the transit system that downstate tax dollars subsidize is still under financial strain with no end in sight. Our district needs our problems addressed and we can't wait much longer. One might say we can only wait as long as it takes the cows to come home.
I spent four evenings at the fair and I thank the Henry County Republicans for their kind support. The hospitality was great and a big thank you to all who stopped by the booth to say hello and express your concerns and the need for change in Illinois. The exhibits were excellent and I was happy to see so many 4-Hers working to make a better future!
9:20 AM
Two wind towers are going up in Erie for the school district. The school district will be powered by one turbine and the rest will be sold back to Commonwealth Edison. Initially, the district received a $25,000 feasibility grant from the Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation. The foundation uses a $225 million endowment from Commonwealth Edison to fund various clean energy projects.
KWQC-TV 6 story
KWQC-TV 6 story
8:29 AM
According to a story in the Chicago Tribune, Governor Rod Blagojevich had met with federal investigators twice nearly two years ago. In fall 2005, Blagojevich's office acknowledged that the governor had been interviewed by federal investigators about allegations raised by his father-in-law, Ald. Richard Mell (33d), that the administration had traded appointments to state boards and commissions in exchange for campaign contributions.
At a major fund raiser on Thursday night, Blagojevich said, "We can't just rely on all this good press we've been getting these days." In March 2007, Blagojevich failed to answer if he had been interviewed by federal investigators after 2005. Blagojevich's campaign fund has disclosed it has been billed more than $2 million in legal fees.
At a major fund raiser on Thursday night, Blagojevich said, "We can't just rely on all this good press we've been getting these days." In March 2007, Blagojevich failed to answer if he had been interviewed by federal investigators after 2005. Blagojevich's campaign fund has disclosed it has been billed more than $2 million in legal fees.
8:20 AM
Federal help has been extended to 14 Illinois counties. The counties included in Wednesday's declaration are: Adams, Clark, Coles, Crawford, Cumberland, Douglas, Edgar, Hancock, Henderson, Jasper, Lake, Lawrence, Mercer and Winnebago.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will open a telephone number Thursday so people can apply for aid. The number is 800-621-FEMA. People can now get access to temporary housing, grants and loans.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency will open a telephone number Thursday so people can apply for aid. The number is 800-621-FEMA. People can now get access to temporary housing, grants and loans.
8:03 AM
The Henry County Fair is off and running! I was there again on Thursday and met another great group of folks. Their big concerns is fixing state government with NO NEW TAXES! I understand that message and heard it loud and clear. The picture above is myself and State representative Don Moffitt. I talked to Don about the budget and asked about the revenue streams proposed to balance it. He said those revenues won't have the backing of the House Republicans and most likely the state legislature will be called back into special session. I'll keep you posted!In talking with farmers, they told me their crops look "pretty good" and that the rains could hold off. Last night we got more rain along with some wind.
9:24 AM
I went to the Henry County Fair in Cambridge yesterday evening. I met many people and they sure were friendly. The fairgrounds were really in good shape. The Republican booth was very well attended. State Representative Don Moffitt was there along with Terry Patton, Henry County State's Attorney, Rich VerHeecke, Henry County Treasurer and Dave Doebbels, Henry County GOP Chairman.
I'm planning on going again this evening. This time I'm going to see some of the exhibits. The support for our county fairs starts in our own communities.
The folks I talked to are in tune to what is going on with our state government. They are concerned about the future, as am I. We all are. The financial issues have to be addressed and we need to keep taxes flat for job growth and expansion. The budget clock is ticking, obviously, however Illinois needs new PRIVATE SECTOR jobs now! The services industry needs new customers, but that's tough with more and more jobs leaving Illinois.
Solutions are needed and needed now! Stay tuned!
I'm planning on going again this evening. This time I'm going to see some of the exhibits. The support for our county fairs starts in our own communities.
The folks I talked to are in tune to what is going on with our state government. They are concerned about the future, as am I. We all are. The financial issues have to be addressed and we need to keep taxes flat for job growth and expansion. The budget clock is ticking, obviously, however Illinois needs new PRIVATE SECTOR jobs now! The services industry needs new customers, but that's tough with more and more jobs leaving Illinois.
Solutions are needed and needed now! Stay tuned!
9:26 AM
I am a bit late in getting this out......but what a great time in Cordova on June 20th! Rich and Betsy Morthland did a superb job in organizing this event. The folks were excellent and I met many concerned citizens that want a change in state government.
I talked about the current state of affairs with the budget crisis. The situation is not good with several state agencies unable to function because of a lack of money. We need to address these problems and bring Illinois back to a "functioning" public entity. When road repairs are suspended due to a lack of money, obviously something is wrong.
Several cuts have been proposed if the State House of Representatives does not approve more revenue for the state budget. But we must address some other issues first. I included my call for a major, independent auditing firm to go through the state's books and look for fraud and waste. Also the proposed budget needs to get to the legislative branch sooner and a three-fifths majority in both the House and Senate before a tax increase can go to the Governor.
We frankly need to get back to basics. The pension meltdown continues and the unpaid Medicaid bills are piling up. The need for spending cuts is here so that these problems can be addressed and that we can move on to fix the other problems.
The leadership role I would assume if elected is simple: keep a vote on a BALANCED BUDGET alive. Don't sit idly by and allow revenue projections to be too high. That's why the FY08 budget is out of tune....revenue projections were too high!
The message is resonating and the people are listening!
I talked about the current state of affairs with the budget crisis. The situation is not good with several state agencies unable to function because of a lack of money. We need to address these problems and bring Illinois back to a "functioning" public entity. When road repairs are suspended due to a lack of money, obviously something is wrong.
Several cuts have been proposed if the State House of Representatives does not approve more revenue for the state budget. But we must address some other issues first. I included my call for a major, independent auditing firm to go through the state's books and look for fraud and waste. Also the proposed budget needs to get to the legislative branch sooner and a three-fifths majority in both the House and Senate before a tax increase can go to the Governor.
We frankly need to get back to basics. The pension meltdown continues and the unpaid Medicaid bills are piling up. The need for spending cuts is here so that these problems can be addressed and that we can move on to fix the other problems.
The leadership role I would assume if elected is simple: keep a vote on a BALANCED BUDGET alive. Don't sit idly by and allow revenue projections to be too high. That's why the FY08 budget is out of tune....revenue projections were too high!
The message is resonating and the people are listening!
8:46 AM
As it stands, revenue is still needed. If that can't be found, cuts will have to be made.
These cuts include:
These cuts include:
- Reductions in staffing
- Increased workload for DCFS employees
- 110 million dollar reduction in education spending
- Nearly a 260 million dollar reduction in social services
- 257 million dollar reduction in economic development and transit
- More than 600 million dollars in health care reductions
- 106 million dollar reductions for Seniors and Veterans
- Illinois Works
- Fund transfers
- Pension restructuring
8:42 AM
These pictures were taken on Friday, June 20th. Bob Vickrey and I took a tour around the area.
8:05 AM
The Auditor General of the State of Illinois released a scathing report on the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. The report states that there are 15 problems with the agency, up from 10 problems in the last report. One item was the delay in reporting the financial data to the Auditor General. Also there was an overstatement of general tax revenues of 600 million dollars.
Health care coverage funds were used to pay out 20 million dollars in worker compensation claims. The funds were originally set aside by lawmakers. The report also stated that delays in the payments of Medicaid to providers were blamed by lack of funding from lawmakers.This was after lawmakers requested a special report.
The Auditor General said the complete financial reports were made available to him in March 2008.
Health care coverage funds were used to pay out 20 million dollars in worker compensation claims. The funds were originally set aside by lawmakers. The report also stated that delays in the payments of Medicaid to providers were blamed by lack of funding from lawmakers.This was after lawmakers requested a special report.
The Auditor General said the complete financial reports were made available to him in March 2008.
6:58 AM
The flood waters in Keithsburg are unimaginable. I took a tour of the area on Friday the 20th. The water levels are in places that never came close to hitting in 1993. Mercer County has been declared a disaster area.
The cost so far has hit 1.5 billion dollars. That is expected to climb in the coming weeks. The supplies for Keithsburg were coming in on Friday.
I heard reports that 7000 acres of farm land were underwater, that mainly south of Mercer County. A friend of mine was in Gladstone yesterday and several farmers have cleared out their equipment before the flood waters came. At least the rain has held off, but the water has to recede much more before pumping can begin.
2:37 PM
Bob Vickrey and I took the water to Keithsburg today. A total of 85 cases were garnered from folks and we were both very pleased and proud of the effort. The Keithsburg Fire Station was our drop off point and the folks were really super! Their spirits were excellent and I really admire their "can do" attitude. They will need more water in the future.
Bob and I took a tour of the area and I was shocked at what I saw. This is surely worse than 1993. There is so much work to be done that can't progress until the flood waters are gone.
Please keep the flood victims in your prayers and also those who are helping in the relief effort.
3:08 PM
Before the school hearing, I made an announcement for bottled water for the residents of Keithsburg. John Hoscheidt of WRMJ interviewed me for a story. The response was excellent! I told folks to bring the water to the Mercer County Courthouse. A special thanks to Cam Weldon and Darlene Johnson of the Aledo Rhubarb Fest and the Kiwanis Club for their donations of water!
The work in Keithsburg is just beginning and several items are needed. My emphasis is on water, since the community will certainly need it. Bob Vickrey and myself will take the water to Keithsburg tomorrow (June 20). Thanks also to the Trinity Presbyterian Church for the use of their fellowship area. The storage is great!! Thanks Rev. Darren!
2:39 PM
On Wednesday, June 18 at 7: 00 PM was the required Aledo-Westmer School Districts consolidation hearing. It was held at Aledo High School. The issue will be on the ballot for November 4th. Aledo in is Mercer and Henderson Counties and Westmer is in those counties plus Rock Island County. The petition was filed with the Regional Superintendent of Schools so the issue will be on the ballot. The petition required 50 signatures each from each respective school district.
The hearing was chaired by Jodi Scott, the Regional Superintendent for Warren, Henderson and Mercer Counties. The Committee of Ten, a state requirement for consolidation matters, gave their testimony. That committee also made their recommendations to each school board.
Their reco was to have the high school at Aledo and make the Joy facility a student center. The superintendent's office will be in Joy since Aledo is renting their facility now. Other items were the school locations: PK - 4 at the current grade schools, 5-6 at the Aledo Jr. High, 7-8 at the Westmer Jr. & Sr. High, 9-12 at Aledo High School. No new building or additions would be considered.
The new school district would be 379 square miles. The reco was for Aledo to discontinue the bus contract with Johannes. Westmer owns their buses. There would be a total of 18 bus routes (nine each). Aledo would lease to buy 9 new buses. The State of Illinois can reimburse the district for these buses. I instantly thought if the State has the money!!
I am glad I attended, to get a better handle on this important issue. There were about 50 in attendance.
The hearing was chaired by Jodi Scott, the Regional Superintendent for Warren, Henderson and Mercer Counties. The Committee of Ten, a state requirement for consolidation matters, gave their testimony. That committee also made their recommendations to each school board.
Their reco was to have the high school at Aledo and make the Joy facility a student center. The superintendent's office will be in Joy since Aledo is renting their facility now. Other items were the school locations: PK - 4 at the current grade schools, 5-6 at the Aledo Jr. High, 7-8 at the Westmer Jr. & Sr. High, 9-12 at Aledo High School. No new building or additions would be considered.
The new school district would be 379 square miles. The reco was for Aledo to discontinue the bus contract with Johannes. Westmer owns their buses. There would be a total of 18 bus routes (nine each). Aledo would lease to buy 9 new buses. The State of Illinois can reimburse the district for these buses. I instantly thought if the State has the money!!
I am glad I attended, to get a better handle on this important issue. There were about 50 in attendance.
12:54 PM
Woefully bad. That's what is said to describe the Illinois government state pension problems. The major problem is debt. The entire state budget is 59 billion dollars, so 44 billion dollars of long-tern debt to the pension systems is a big liability.
What did lawmakers do? Nothing. The Blagojevich Administration and the Senate Democrats wants another 16 billion dollar bond issue to pay down the debt. That would then free up money destined for pensions to be spent elsewhere: education, health care and the like. The idea is to put the borrowed money into the pension systems. This would cut the debt and reduce interest costs. The Governor is hoping that the bond debt interest would be 6%, compared to the pension debt of 8.5%, thus saving money.
Well and good you say? There was a catch....the Senate Democrats, and only the Democrats voted for it, but when it went to the House, Speaker Madigan didn't call it for a vote. Keep in mind that some House Republicans would have to vote for this if it's to pass the House.
So what's the problem? Well for starters, converting pension debt (which can be paid off any time) into bond debt puts the payment plan on a strict schedule. With the state financial situation on shaky ground, with help from the volatile stock market, should Illinois be obligated to such a plan? Those for it see that the required pension systems payment would be knocked down to 300 million dollars from 800 million dollars, thus giving the state an additional 500 million dollars to spend elsewhere. That's the money I mentioned in the second paragraph that would be freed up. That's not all.... the proposed FY 09 budget the Governor submitted assumed that the pension bond issue would have passed, thus leaving the 500 million hole that's part of the 2.1 billion dollar deficit total.
I would advise to cut 500 million dollars of spending out of the budget along with the matching revenue stream (the leftover). That still leaves us with 1.6 billion dollars to cut. Oh well....it's a start!
What did lawmakers do? Nothing. The Blagojevich Administration and the Senate Democrats wants another 16 billion dollar bond issue to pay down the debt. That would then free up money destined for pensions to be spent elsewhere: education, health care and the like. The idea is to put the borrowed money into the pension systems. This would cut the debt and reduce interest costs. The Governor is hoping that the bond debt interest would be 6%, compared to the pension debt of 8.5%, thus saving money.
Well and good you say? There was a catch....the Senate Democrats, and only the Democrats voted for it, but when it went to the House, Speaker Madigan didn't call it for a vote. Keep in mind that some House Republicans would have to vote for this if it's to pass the House.
So what's the problem? Well for starters, converting pension debt (which can be paid off any time) into bond debt puts the payment plan on a strict schedule. With the state financial situation on shaky ground, with help from the volatile stock market, should Illinois be obligated to such a plan? Those for it see that the required pension systems payment would be knocked down to 300 million dollars from 800 million dollars, thus giving the state an additional 500 million dollars to spend elsewhere. That's the money I mentioned in the second paragraph that would be freed up. That's not all.... the proposed FY 09 budget the Governor submitted assumed that the pension bond issue would have passed, thus leaving the 500 million hole that's part of the 2.1 billion dollar deficit total.
I would advise to cut 500 million dollars of spending out of the budget along with the matching revenue stream (the leftover). That still leaves us with 1.6 billion dollars to cut. Oh well....it's a start!
1:29 PM
Steve Hunley of The Chicago Sun Times had an article for today's edition which summed up the displeasure of Illinois residents with state government. The breakdown of the state government falls mainly with the Governor, but he had help, namely from House Speaker Mike Madigan and Senate President Emil Jones, the leaders of both chambers of the legislature. We now know what one-party rule brought to Illinois: undeserved pay raises, an unbalanced budget and more bond debt.
The consensus was for voters to wait until 2010 to rid Illinois of a "tumor", as Speaker Madigan so affectionately called the Governor in his memo to Democrat House candidates. But voters are finding out that the future is now, and they can do something about one-party rule in Illinois on November 4, 2008.
That is VOTE REPUBLICAN. Steve mentioned that could be a hard sell in Illinois. But perhaps not. A year ago the message for the Republican Party was nowhere to be found. Today the message is getting clearer by the day. Bring good, efficient government back to Illinois with decreased business fees and taxes. Also we must remember the best way to raise money IS NOT to spend it.
I am a candidate for the Illinois Senate in the 36th District. If elected I will call for a major, independent auditing firm to conduct a comprehensive audit of state government for waste, fraud and abuse. I would sponsor legislation to call for the Governor to present the proposed budget to the legislature at least 30 days before it could be voted on. I support the three-fifths majority vote of both the House and the Senate before a tax increase can be sent to the Governor.
House Republican Leader Tom Cross has called for this "super majority" as far back as April of 2005.
The consensus was for voters to wait until 2010 to rid Illinois of a "tumor", as Speaker Madigan so affectionately called the Governor in his memo to Democrat House candidates. But voters are finding out that the future is now, and they can do something about one-party rule in Illinois on November 4, 2008.
That is VOTE REPUBLICAN. Steve mentioned that could be a hard sell in Illinois. But perhaps not. A year ago the message for the Republican Party was nowhere to be found. Today the message is getting clearer by the day. Bring good, efficient government back to Illinois with decreased business fees and taxes. Also we must remember the best way to raise money IS NOT to spend it.
I am a candidate for the Illinois Senate in the 36th District. If elected I will call for a major, independent auditing firm to conduct a comprehensive audit of state government for waste, fraud and abuse. I would sponsor legislation to call for the Governor to present the proposed budget to the legislature at least 30 days before it could be voted on. I support the three-fifths majority vote of both the House and the Senate before a tax increase can be sent to the Governor.
House Republican Leader Tom Cross has called for this "super majority" as far back as April of 2005.
1:03 PM
Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich announced the $10.9 billion road program for fiscal years 2009 through 2014.In IDOT’s proposed multi-year plan, $7.79 billion will be for the state’s highway system while $3.08 billion will be for local roads. On the state system, $5.6 billion – or almost three-fourths – will be for roadway maintenance, safety and bridge repair.
However is this program being held hostage so that the Illinois Works capital bill goes through? Milton Sees, Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary stated that without the additional infrastructure investment provided by the Illinois Works program, the transportation plan would remain on the shelf. The capital plan is much talked about, however the two revenue streams remain very controversial. Those are sale or lease of the state lottery and the expansion of gambling.
All the people I have talked to are not in favor of gambling expansion. The sale or lease of the lottery is also very unpopular. What to do? The capital plan allies are moving the pieces on the chessboard. The capital plan proponents may use other programs to help sell it. The consensus I get is that without the capital plan, the State of Illinois will come to a complete standstill. This shouldn't have to be.
Budget components should include enough highway and bridge projects to keep Illinois moving forward. Match money of $1.5 billion should be appropriated so that Illinois can receive $6 billion in federal road and bridge money. As far as I know, this match money is not in the current FY 09 budget.
Opponents to the capital plan are on ice that's getting thinner by the moment if the Governor keeps saying that certain programs aren't going to fly without the Illinois Works capital plan.
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However is this program being held hostage so that the Illinois Works capital bill goes through? Milton Sees, Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary stated that without the additional infrastructure investment provided by the Illinois Works program, the transportation plan would remain on the shelf. The capital plan is much talked about, however the two revenue streams remain very controversial. Those are sale or lease of the state lottery and the expansion of gambling.
All the people I have talked to are not in favor of gambling expansion. The sale or lease of the lottery is also very unpopular. What to do? The capital plan allies are moving the pieces on the chessboard. The capital plan proponents may use other programs to help sell it. The consensus I get is that without the capital plan, the State of Illinois will come to a complete standstill. This shouldn't have to be.
Budget components should include enough highway and bridge projects to keep Illinois moving forward. Match money of $1.5 billion should be appropriated so that Illinois can receive $6 billion in federal road and bridge money. As far as I know, this match money is not in the current FY 09 budget.
Opponents to the capital plan are on ice that's getting thinner by the moment if the Governor keeps saying that certain programs aren't going to fly without the Illinois Works capital plan.
technorati search: illinois
9:19 PM
Today was a big day in Geneseo, IL. It was the concluding day of their Music Festival. I was in the parade, which began at 2 P.M. There was a bit of rain before we began, which had everyone concerned since the wind picked up too. But just when the parade began, the rain tapered off and the wind stopped.
The folks were great and I gave out plenty of candy. Response was very positive, which made me feel good. The temperature was a bit hot, but not too bad. I walked the entire route, shaking a few hands along the way.
Before the parade I met Senator Tim Bivens who serves in the 45th District. He took over from retiring Senator Todd Sieben. I asked Tim how he was getting aong and he said fine. He is very concerned, as am I, about the unbalanced FY 09 state budget. He voted against the budget passage, since it was unbalanced. Remember that Illinois must have a balanced budget since the state constitution requires it. Tim reminded me that legislators took an oath to uphold the state constitution, but most Senate Democrats voted for the budget, which threw it to the House. The House then passed it and it went back to the Governor. The Governor has sixty days to sign it or line item veto parts of it.
Senator Bivens has a feeling that the state legislature will be back in session. I'll keep you posted.
The folks were great and I gave out plenty of candy. Response was very positive, which made me feel good. The temperature was a bit hot, but not too bad. I walked the entire route, shaking a few hands along the way.
Before the parade I met Senator Tim Bivens who serves in the 45th District. He took over from retiring Senator Todd Sieben. I asked Tim how he was getting aong and he said fine. He is very concerned, as am I, about the unbalanced FY 09 state budget. He voted against the budget passage, since it was unbalanced. Remember that Illinois must have a balanced budget since the state constitution requires it. Tim reminded me that legislators took an oath to uphold the state constitution, but most Senate Democrats voted for the budget, which threw it to the House. The House then passed it and it went back to the Governor. The Governor has sixty days to sign it or line item veto parts of it.
Senator Bivens has a feeling that the state legislature will be back in session. I'll keep you posted.
12:44 PM
Or should I say paraskeidekatriaphobia? The fear of Friday the 13th is permeating the Democrat led Illinois legislature and controlling the dark corners of the Governor's mind. The voters are even running on fear. The fear of what the future might bring. No one has a perfectly functioning crystal ball, but what has the current led Democrat legislative and executive branches of Illinois Government brought us? Overspending, more debt and more pay for them.
Does bigger government add more debt or does more debt bring bigger government? I know, what came first the chicken or the egg? If the debt comes without a bigger government, don't worry...the government will get bigger, because in Illinois state government there are ways to spend the extra money. Or the government gets bigger and needs the money to pay the new and extra bills. With government entities hurting, these are the times when there is certainly evidence for governments to have a cash reserve in place, instead of going out of their way to spend every penny. Why? No need for more taxes unless the cash reserves are drawn down and overspending isn't reduced. In other words, keep cash on hand and control the spending.
Has the overspending brought more prosperity for Illinois citizens? Look around. I think you know the answer. Has the 8.30 billion dollar increase (according to the Governor's FY09 budget presentation) in education spending since the Governor has been in office (January 2003) brought us better schools and learning? Wait....before you answer, ask: How do we know for sure? WE DON'T! Because new, streamlined performance measures ARE NOT in place to find out.
What are the Illinois Democrats scared of with House Speaker Madigan bringing forth an impeachment memo to Democrat House candidates? What is State Senate President Emil Jones scared of when he calls impeachment unwarranted? Are they scared of themselves or the voters or both? Is it a fear of Friday the 13th or a fear of Tuesday the 4th.....November 4th, election day?
Does bigger government add more debt or does more debt bring bigger government? I know, what came first the chicken or the egg? If the debt comes without a bigger government, don't worry...the government will get bigger, because in Illinois state government there are ways to spend the extra money. Or the government gets bigger and needs the money to pay the new and extra bills. With government entities hurting, these are the times when there is certainly evidence for governments to have a cash reserve in place, instead of going out of their way to spend every penny. Why? No need for more taxes unless the cash reserves are drawn down and overspending isn't reduced. In other words, keep cash on hand and control the spending.
Has the overspending brought more prosperity for Illinois citizens? Look around. I think you know the answer. Has the 8.30 billion dollar increase (according to the Governor's FY09 budget presentation) in education spending since the Governor has been in office (January 2003) brought us better schools and learning? Wait....before you answer, ask: How do we know for sure? WE DON'T! Because new, streamlined performance measures ARE NOT in place to find out.
What are the Illinois Democrats scared of with House Speaker Madigan bringing forth an impeachment memo to Democrat House candidates? What is State Senate President Emil Jones scared of when he calls impeachment unwarranted? Are they scared of themselves or the voters or both? Is it a fear of Friday the 13th or a fear of Tuesday the 4th.....November 4th, election day?
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10:53 AM
On June 11th three out of the four legislative leaders met in Chicago to discuss the out of balance Illinois FY09 budget. Republican Snate Leader called this meeting unproductive, overshadowed by the impeachment talk.
Senate Republicans have advocated bringing spending under control. Mr. Watson did say that there was agreement to transmit a passed budget to the Governor and he has sixty days to sign it or line item veto parts of the budget.
The capital plan, which is a massive public works program, has been stalled. Some have viewed it as "dead on arrival" when it got to the State House of Representatives. Some have also contended that Mike Madigan's "impeachment memo" (see madigan demo memo link on this blog) is a distraction for lawmakers. Some accuse Madigan of relishing in the distraction.
The Governor has been seen as one to keep the spending alive enriched from revenues garnered by fund raiding.
Senate Republicans have advocated bringing spending under control. Mr. Watson did say that there was agreement to transmit a passed budget to the Governor and he has sixty days to sign it or line item veto parts of the budget.
The capital plan, which is a massive public works program, has been stalled. Some have viewed it as "dead on arrival" when it got to the State House of Representatives. Some have also contended that Mike Madigan's "impeachment memo" (see madigan demo memo link on this blog) is a distraction for lawmakers. Some accuse Madigan of relishing in the distraction.
The Governor has been seen as one to keep the spending alive enriched from revenues garnered by fund raiding.
10:42 AM
State Senators Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) and Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac) are planning a state prison tour. This is to promote a long-term plan on prison closures. Announcements of prison closures in Illinois have come arbitrarily. During the past three years, the Blagojevich Administration has proposed, without any analysis or planning, the closure of at least three different facilities.
None of the closures took place, and the announcements had been viewed as political retribution rather than good policy making. The two seantors are urging the Governor to enact a plan that would be discussed by a special panel. Also proposed is a moratorium on prison closures.
None of the closures took place, and the announcements had been viewed as political retribution rather than good policy making. The two seantors are urging the Governor to enact a plan that would be discussed by a special panel. Also proposed is a moratorium on prison closures.
9:59 AM
Four labor unions are are accusing Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan of Illinois Democrats. The alleged distraction is the potentail impeachment investigation of Governor Blagojevich. The letter, sent out June 12th, states the party members need to work together.
Story on topix
Story on topix
9:05 AM
Oh where to begin....oh yeah, the budget for Illinois FY09. Six years of Democrat overspending and complete fiscal mismanagement has now swept into one budget. This budget from the start was woefully out of balance (2.1 billion dollars), but the Democrats made no move to make a tough decision. The Republicans were not consulted during the budget process until the process fell apart. The Republicans were asked to find a solution. A demand that is quite a challenge!
But is it that large of a challenge? Illinois Senate Republican Leader Fran Watson knows the score and here is the solution.
- Cut wastefull spending
- Eliminate new programs
- Reform programs like Medicaid, where the spending is out of control
- Gain Republican seats in the Illinois Senate
With the Democrat Senate majority, there has been no way to block the wasteful spending. For the past six years, the Senate Democrats have been loyal to the Governor which has led to special-purpose fund raids and more spending. Plus, the Senate Democrats gave the Governor more power to unilaterally raid 530 million dollars from special state funds which pay for highway repairs and downstate public transportation, just to name two.
This frankly has to end. We can't keep putting more debt on the backs of taxpayers and future taxpayers if Illinois is to be competitive in the job market. With the global economy, a new wave of imported products has flooded our markets. That's competition enough! Businesses and taxpayers can't afford more of the same six years!
8:29 AM
I am from a small county, Mercer. I have been the county treasurer there since December 1, 1994. My county has had problems with getting funds from the State of Illinois. The state can't keep up with the matching dollars for projects. As far as the federal dollars go....we're good.
For instance, if a bridge project is done, the federal bridge money comes through, however the state money does not. The Illinois Department of Transportation can't keep up. So what has happened is that the federal money is "parked" until the state can come up with a match!
We would be far better off if the state would pool all the match dollars for a particular county and give the money to the county with the understanding that the county will do with the money what needs to be done. For a small county like Mercer, we might have more projects on the drawing board than a large county! That might be hard to comprehend, but it's true. Most of those projects in Mercer County, if not all, are bridge projects. The time I checked, bridges are very important!!
What's the solution? Change the system. But when legislators ask the Illinois Department of Transportation about a change, they are told everything is fine. Everything is not fine, but why quabble with a state agency?
If elected, I will go about changing the system on how matching dollars are distributed. An investigation into the validity of this initiative is warranted since the County Highway Engineers Association is lobbying for such a move. They are up against a tough obstacle, a state agency! In this case, seems as if government can't get out of their own way!
For instance, if a bridge project is done, the federal bridge money comes through, however the state money does not. The Illinois Department of Transportation can't keep up. So what has happened is that the federal money is "parked" until the state can come up with a match!
We would be far better off if the state would pool all the match dollars for a particular county and give the money to the county with the understanding that the county will do with the money what needs to be done. For a small county like Mercer, we might have more projects on the drawing board than a large county! That might be hard to comprehend, but it's true. Most of those projects in Mercer County, if not all, are bridge projects. The time I checked, bridges are very important!!
What's the solution? Change the system. But when legislators ask the Illinois Department of Transportation about a change, they are told everything is fine. Everything is not fine, but why quabble with a state agency?
If elected, I will go about changing the system on how matching dollars are distributed. An investigation into the validity of this initiative is warranted since the County Highway Engineers Association is lobbying for such a move. They are up against a tough obstacle, a state agency! In this case, seems as if government can't get out of their own way!
1:48 PM
The Fair Tax Book, written by Neal Boortz and John Linder (first paperback edition published in 2006), begins the introduction with these words: "When Karl Marx wrote The Communist Manifesto in 1848, he included ten points-goals if you will, that must be accomplished to bring about a true communist society. Number two on Marx's list was the establishment of 'a heavy progressive or graduated income tax.' "
The graduated income tax idea has been talked about in Illinois government as way to raise more revenue for the State of Illinois, since the overspending has left Illinois practically broke. This tax is often referred to as a progressive income tax with a graduated rate schedule. This could not be done without amending the Illinois Constitution. But is this such a good idea?
The League of Women Voters of Illinois is in support of this amendment. Why do they support this? The link I provided doesn't tell us. Plus they are a nonpartisan political (oxymoron?) organization....but this issue is far from nonpartisan. The idea of a graduated tax has had roots in the Democrat Party.
Thankfully the Illinois Senate defeated the graduated income tax ballot proposal on April 29, 2008. The information I viewed would give the extra revenue to education mostly. Well and good, but the time is now to look at the new programs created and see if those programs are really and truly needed. Put performance measures in place to guage these added programs.
The graduated income tax idea has been talked about in Illinois government as way to raise more revenue for the State of Illinois, since the overspending has left Illinois practically broke. This tax is often referred to as a progressive income tax with a graduated rate schedule. This could not be done without amending the Illinois Constitution. But is this such a good idea?
The League of Women Voters of Illinois is in support of this amendment. Why do they support this? The link I provided doesn't tell us. Plus they are a nonpartisan political (oxymoron?) organization....but this issue is far from nonpartisan. The idea of a graduated tax has had roots in the Democrat Party.
Thankfully the Illinois Senate defeated the graduated income tax ballot proposal on April 29, 2008. The information I viewed would give the extra revenue to education mostly. Well and good, but the time is now to look at the new programs created and see if those programs are really and truly needed. Put performance measures in place to guage these added programs.
10:47 AM
Seems that what goes around, comes around. Sometimes what comes back is more of a "wave" than what went in the first place. I'm writing about the impeachment memo from Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan to fellow Democrat Illinois State House candidates....which by the way, is all the House members, since they run every two years.
Mr. Madigan sent out a memo which described how a "tumor" must be removed when discovered or it will grow. The "tumor" he is referring to is Governor Rod Blagojevich. Seems that Mr. Madigan has run plum out of patience with the Governor. Mr Madigan also knows that voters will be asking the questions about the Governor's exploits in light of the fundraising cloud created by the conviction of Tony Rezko. State Senate President Emil Jones has said impeachment is unwarranted.
The impeachment trial would take place in the State Senate, with the senators acting as the jury. It would take 40 of the 59 senators to vote for a guilty verdict. The impeachment vote in the House is a majority to move on with the trial. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court would preside over the trial.
You should read the memo...it is interesting and to the point. However it may be too late for Illinois Democrats to squelch all the negatives and future ramifications about the Governor. Will this hurt the Democrat Party in Illinois? Most likely.
Mr. Madigan sent out a memo which described how a "tumor" must be removed when discovered or it will grow. The "tumor" he is referring to is Governor Rod Blagojevich. Seems that Mr. Madigan has run plum out of patience with the Governor. Mr Madigan also knows that voters will be asking the questions about the Governor's exploits in light of the fundraising cloud created by the conviction of Tony Rezko. State Senate President Emil Jones has said impeachment is unwarranted.
The impeachment trial would take place in the State Senate, with the senators acting as the jury. It would take 40 of the 59 senators to vote for a guilty verdict. The impeachment vote in the House is a majority to move on with the trial. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court would preside over the trial.
You should read the memo...it is interesting and to the point. However it may be too late for Illinois Democrats to squelch all the negatives and future ramifications about the Governor. Will this hurt the Democrat Party in Illinois? Most likely.