8:15 AM
Lawrence Bruckner, Republican candidate for the 71st State Representative seat, held an event at Hampton which featured none other than Theodore Roosevelt! President Roosevelt is played by Joe Wiegand, who is a professional member of the National Association for Interpretation.
Joe did a marvelous job and I was really pleased with the historical content he had in his presentation. Mr. Roosevelt was responsible for setting aside 230 million acres of land for the national parks. He also fought corruption and political greed in New York City and the New York State Legislature. He mentioned Lawrence and myself and admired our willingness to serve in the Illinois Legislature. I was very pleased with that!
Mr. Wiegand will continue his tour through October 27, 2008, T.R.'s 150th birthday. That will conclude at Oyster Bay, NY, where the Roosevelt home and family cemetery are. By the way, my aunt and uncle, Sam and Carol Rausch live in Oyster Bay! They have been there since 1978. My aunt is a teacher and private tutor and my uncle (Uncle Sam) works in the fur business in Manhattan. During the 2004 Republican National Convention, his firm took the week off. His office building is only two blocks from Madison Square Garden where the convention was held.
Joe said he will try his best to personally visit Carol and Sam or give them a call! I was particularly honored by that. Sam and Carol have been to the Roosevelt historical site several times.
The event was held at the Heritage Center in Hampton. A fantastic facility for Teddy to take the stage! The pictures include Lawrence, Mr. Roosevelt and myself. The bumper sticker reads: "Do what you can, with what you have, where you are." A quote from T.R. Look for more pictures from this event in the future.
12:44 PM
I've been in public service for just over 13 1/2 years as an elected public official. I am a state constitutional officer since the local government section of the state constitution states that a county shall have at least three officers: the county clerk, the county treasurer and the county sheriff. I come to the courthouse as a public servant to serve.
Do I make mistakes? Yes. Hopefully my mistakes aren't too big to handle and when I do make a mistake I first admit it to myself and then tell someone about it and then I go on to correct what I've done wrong. Simple enough. I've been fortunate enough that I haven't made too many of the same mistakes twice. Good for me and good for the people I serve. I don't get too many compliments, but I'm not in public service for those..I am in public service to help people and to fix their problems. Have I always been successful helping people? No, but that doesn't mean that I didn't try.
Why am I writing about this? Because I read something today that really bothered me. The entry in the Capital Fax Blog for today frankly made me ashamed that we have those in the roles of leadership in the legislative and executive branches of government that don't have the people at heart. After all they are in the role of public servants too. They were elected to help people, but with their current attitudes they give the impression that they only care about themselves and are using the people that need state funding to their own advantage.
Is this merely coincidence, or is this evidence that one-party rule is not working in Illinois? Why then did State Senate President Emil Jones demand a pay raise and Senator Mike Jacobs say that he deserves a pay raise and he is worth every penny? Are they truly getting the job done or is this an example of one-party rule?
On a personal note, I don't know if I deserve what I am paid. I like to think that I earn what I am paid, but I am not the judge of that, the taxpayers are. As a a taxpayer ask if the state legislature and the governor are earning what they make. Do they really deserve a raise in light of the problems they helped to create?
Mr. Blagojevich, Madigan and Jones need to admit to themselves that they made a mistake.
They then need to tell each other that they made a mistake, and when they are done they need to tell the citizens of Illinois they made a mistake. That would enable them to get back to work and balance a budget, or in other words, correct a mistake. I propose the legislature get back in session on August 5th to hammer out the budget problems and allow for enough revenue streams to balance the budget. I want them to show some leadership and get the job done. According to Rich Miller, Illinois used to be a rough and tumble get the job done state, but no longer. Is there enough leadership in the one-party rule Democrat Party to see this through? I doubt it.
Do I make mistakes? Yes. Hopefully my mistakes aren't too big to handle and when I do make a mistake I first admit it to myself and then tell someone about it and then I go on to correct what I've done wrong. Simple enough. I've been fortunate enough that I haven't made too many of the same mistakes twice. Good for me and good for the people I serve. I don't get too many compliments, but I'm not in public service for those..I am in public service to help people and to fix their problems. Have I always been successful helping people? No, but that doesn't mean that I didn't try.
Why am I writing about this? Because I read something today that really bothered me. The entry in the Capital Fax Blog for today frankly made me ashamed that we have those in the roles of leadership in the legislative and executive branches of government that don't have the people at heart. After all they are in the role of public servants too. They were elected to help people, but with their current attitudes they give the impression that they only care about themselves and are using the people that need state funding to their own advantage.
Is this merely coincidence, or is this evidence that one-party rule is not working in Illinois? Why then did State Senate President Emil Jones demand a pay raise and Senator Mike Jacobs say that he deserves a pay raise and he is worth every penny? Are they truly getting the job done or is this an example of one-party rule?
On a personal note, I don't know if I deserve what I am paid. I like to think that I earn what I am paid, but I am not the judge of that, the taxpayers are. As a a taxpayer ask if the state legislature and the governor are earning what they make. Do they really deserve a raise in light of the problems they helped to create?
Mr. Blagojevich, Madigan and Jones need to admit to themselves that they made a mistake.
They then need to tell each other that they made a mistake, and when they are done they need to tell the citizens of Illinois they made a mistake. That would enable them to get back to work and balance a budget, or in other words, correct a mistake. I propose the legislature get back in session on August 5th to hammer out the budget problems and allow for enough revenue streams to balance the budget. I want them to show some leadership and get the job done. According to Rich Miller, Illinois used to be a rough and tumble get the job done state, but no longer. Is there enough leadership in the one-party rule Democrat Party to see this through? I doubt it.
7:42 AM
Governor Blagojevich ramped up fund raising in the last 30 days with people who do business with the State of Illinois. He collected just more than $250,000. The fund raising bill, moved to the governor on May 30th, would prevent contractors with the State contributing to political action committees.
Governor Blagojevich said on Tuesday, July 29th that the bill wasn't tough enough and he wouldn't sign it into law. The legislation would prohibit contractors who have at least $50,000 worth of business with the State from contributing to political campaigns of state-wide elected officials.
link to the Chicago Tribune story
Governor Blagojevich said on Tuesday, July 29th that the bill wasn't tough enough and he wouldn't sign it into law. The legislation would prohibit contractors who have at least $50,000 worth of business with the State from contributing to political campaigns of state-wide elected officials.
link to the Chicago Tribune story
8:20 AM
Governor Rod Blagojevich is not on the good side of prosecutors and defense attorneys because he has decided to veto millions of dollars to fight wrongful convictions and help with death penalty reforms. One veto blocked funds for videotaping interrogations in murder cases under a law Barack Obama supported when he was in the state senate.
Originally $5.5 million was approved by lawmakers. The cut included money to support reforms Governor Blagojevich signed five years ago to help shore up integrity issues with the capital punishment process. Here's a link to the story.
Originally $5.5 million was approved by lawmakers. The cut included money to support reforms Governor Blagojevich signed five years ago to help shore up integrity issues with the capital punishment process. Here's a link to the story.
10:21 AM
Julie Johnson has a take on the loss of jobs in Illinois. I took a look at the numbers just released.
Here it is:
Last released: Illinois' unemployment rate: 6.8%, 25% more than the national average (5.5%), and at its highest point since June 1993. Since the last decade 727,000 people have moved from Illinois. Illinois could lose another congressional district as a result.
ILLINOIS RANKS AS THE 45TH STATE IN ATTRACTING COLLEGE GRADUATES.
Here it is:
Last released: Illinois' unemployment rate: 6.8%, 25% more than the national average (5.5%), and at its highest point since June 1993. Since the last decade 727,000 people have moved from Illinois. Illinois could lose another congressional district as a result.
ILLINOIS RANKS AS THE 45TH STATE IN ATTRACTING COLLEGE GRADUATES.
12:33 PM
I received word from Republican Senate Leader Frank Watson via Capital Connection that the Chicago Tribune reported that there are grant abuses galore. The Senate Democrats gave out money to "special" non-profit groups, schools, businesses and churches. The lawmakers funneled the money through the State Board of Education. The Tribune investigation said that 48 groups had denied access to show where the money had been spent.
The Tribune first investigated this two years ago and the State Board of Education tried to tighten the grant process but the grants continued to be awarded. The Senate Democrats voted for the spending and refused to support Republican reforms.
The Republicans in the Senate sponsored SB1600, which would have prohibited appropriations and expenditures for legislative member initiatives. SB1540 would have allowed the Auditor General to do performance audits of earmarked appropriations that were not included as a separate line item in the Governor's proposed annual State budget. SB1601 would have made each appropriation in a gubernatorial or legislative member initiative by a separate line item appropriation that fully describes the initiative. These efforts were led by State Senator Gary Dahl (R-Granville). These efforts were blocked by the Senate Democrats. This situation has made clear that the Republicans want transparency in government, so that there is more accountability to the taxpayers. I too want the same, and would support such initiatives if elected to the State Senate.
The Tribune first investigated this two years ago and the State Board of Education tried to tighten the grant process but the grants continued to be awarded. The Senate Democrats voted for the spending and refused to support Republican reforms.
The Republicans in the Senate sponsored SB1600, which would have prohibited appropriations and expenditures for legislative member initiatives. SB1540 would have allowed the Auditor General to do performance audits of earmarked appropriations that were not included as a separate line item in the Governor's proposed annual State budget. SB1601 would have made each appropriation in a gubernatorial or legislative member initiative by a separate line item appropriation that fully describes the initiative. These efforts were led by State Senator Gary Dahl (R-Granville). These efforts were blocked by the Senate Democrats. This situation has made clear that the Republicans want transparency in government, so that there is more accountability to the taxpayers. I too want the same, and would support such initiatives if elected to the State Senate.
12:35 PM
On Sunday morning the 13th, I heard something at home. Sounded like a big semi-truck going by....then I heard it again. Well, the pictures tell the story. The crop dusting season is back and my "neighborhood" was alive again for another year. I couldn't resist to get some pictures. I won't tell you how many I took that didn't look that great! Look closely at the bottom picture to the left of pine tree. Shows how low they go.
12:17 PM
While at the Rock Island County Fair on the 17th, I took time out to look at the exhibits. Several caught my eye and I was glad to talk to folks about the campaign. The theme has not changed....we need change.
They are not satisfied. For your info, Illinois, California, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania did not have budgets in by the start of their fiscal years as of July 8, 2008. This could now be different....but NOT for Illinois. Still NO finalized budget and with that, the shutdown of State government is a real possibility. But the pay raise the state Senate wouldn't reject is still a go!
I support legislation requiring the State Comptroller to release the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) within six months after the close of the fiscal year. The deadline for that would be December 31. That would be ready for the state legislature's new session which begins around the 10th of January. This info is crucial when considering the new fiscal year budget. As it stands now, the report is released generally one year after the close of the fiscal year.
The situation now is not suitable to good legislative fiscal management. Simply put, the House and Senate do not have enough information going into the new fiscal year budget process, and when they do receive information, they don't have enough time to discern it.
This seems simple enough, but we need to get back to basics so Illinois can function properly once again. Is the legislative pay raise deserved? I'll let you be the judge. But Illinois' taxpayers deserve better from their legislators and timelier fiscal information is one way to make that happen.
10:06 AM
A message came from State Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson and he had this to tell. The pay raise issue didn't come up in the special session. The State Senate would have had to reject the pay raises to keep them from kicking in automatically. No such luck since the Senate Democrats were adamant on not rejecting them a few weeks back. Governor Blagojevich was not vocal on the issue at all during this last special session.
“The Speaker of the House won’t sit in the same room with the Governor. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor haven’t spoken in months.The party that is in control is out of control.”
- State Senator Tim Bivins (R-Dixon, 45th District), as quoted in the Freeport Journal-Standard on July 14, speaking about the political bickering and gamesmanship between the state’s Chicago Democrat leadership.
9:28 AM
Thank goodness there are scorekeepers! The House yesterday had there work cut out for them.
The main pattern: this blog entry title. Reduction overrides require a simple majority, line-item overrides require a three-fifths majority. Here's a run-down:
The main pattern: this blog entry title. Reduction overrides require a simple majority, line-item overrides require a three-fifths majority. Here's a run-down:
- House failed to override the line-item veto of millions of dollars of drug treatment programs
- House did restore $43 million in drug treatment program reductions
- House failed to override the line-item veto of school construction grants
- Higher education money worth tens of millions of dollars failed (MAP grant increases included)
- House failed to allow the Governor from moving $185 million of Medicaid payments for prescription drugs, transportation, home health, medical appliances, hospice care and labs to FY2010 (starts July 1, 2009)
12:23 PM
The House did not do much yesterday but planned veto overrides today. THAT'S WHERE HOUSE REPUBLICANS COME INTO PLAY. The Dems need the GOP's help to restore some of the deeper cuts. House Democrats hope to restore funding to social service providers and put put pressure on the Senate to return to Springfield to and restore the cuts later this month.
story in the State Journal Register
story in the State Journal Register
10:20 AM
The Mercer County Fair went off without a hitch. We were very pleased with the comments from folks and their kind support. Our informational and promotional materials went fast. On Friday the 11th we gave out watermelon slices which went over very well.Thanks to all the helpers who made for a smooth week! The top picture is my sister (Laura England) and my mom (Jane Chandler). They couldn't stay away from Wednesday's Kid's Day. There kids at heart too!
10:01 AM
The Mercer County Fair went very well. The traffic in the Merchant's Building was excellent this year as we "worked" the Republican booth. Most comments I received were those about change in state government. People know that state government in Illinois isn't working right and are concerned about higher taxes and the loss of functionality from their taxpayer dollars.
The picture above from left to right: Bob Vickrey, Mercer County Board member and Mercer County GOP vice-chair, Marty Edwards, Warren County Sheriff, Mike Bertelsen, Mercer County Treasurer, County GOP Chair and candidate for the State Senate 36th District and Lewis Wiley, candidate for Mercer County Coroner.
6:10 AM
The Illinois Federation of Teachers has sent a letter to State Senate President Emil Jones requesting that he bring the state senate back in session to override the vetoes made by the Governor.
Their letter spells out the cuts and one item in particular is the cut of matching funds to capture federal dollars for higher education.
Their letter spells out the cuts and one item in particular is the cut of matching funds to capture federal dollars for higher education.
1:17 PM
We had a great time in East Moline on the 4th. An excellent day and a great turn-out of folks made for a fantastic time. I met a lot of people and heard some excellent comments. The main item I heard was that there needs to be change. I agreed and told them I want to serve as your state senator. A big thanks to the Rock Island County Republicans for their kind support and letting the campaign "hitch a ride" for the big show.
1:04 PM
I have just a little time to "catch my breath" and look over some items from the last two weeks. The "lighted parade" in Orion was super. The "big elephant" from Republican House Leader Tom Cross was in town thanks to efforts by Kathy Nelson and John Zahm.
The folks along the parade route loved it! Several gave the "big guy" a standing ovation as he went by.
8:41 AM
The House goes back in session to hopefully finalize the FY2009 budget, but if the House puts back some of the cuts, State Senate President Emil Jones says he won't go along.
The cuts could hit the Robert Young Center, with about $500,000 at stake. According to a Quad City Times article, The Douglas Park Place women's recovery center is the most threatened.
The Governor vetoed just over $11 million dollars in specific social services programs.
The cuts could hit the Robert Young Center, with about $500,000 at stake. According to a Quad City Times article, The Douglas Park Place women's recovery center is the most threatened.
The Governor vetoed just over $11 million dollars in specific social services programs.
11:24 AM
According to Steve Huntley of the Chicago Sun-Times, House Speaker Madigan and State Senate President Emil Jones are far from blameless in the breakdown of state government. Steve writes that if anyone casts a ballot for a Democrat in a state legislative race it is beyond him.
A vote for a Republican is the ONLY WAY to protest one-party rule in Illinois. As I was at the Mercer County Fair yesterday, this hit me like a ton of bricks. Our Democracy is not set-up for one-party rule. Two or more parties, yes, no parties, yes.....but NOT one. Am I correct? I'll let you be the judge. I have to let you be the judge.
The Framers didn't have political parties at the start, parties evolved from interests and agendas. But from the start there became two. I have personally become aware of one-party rule in certain counties from my county treasurer colleagues. It doesn't matter which party, D or R, when one-party rules, there is potential bitterness or that bitterness shows up to bring gridlock and a lack of solutions to problems. The political balance on certain issues gets hammered and with it small battles ensue to create one big war.
Sound familiar? Look at state government. On the Senate side, the Republicans were left out of much of the budget process. The Senate Republicans can scream, holler and vote no all they want to, but it is of no use. Why? There isn't enough of them, being outnumbered 37 - 22. The Democrat super-majority has been full of steam to vote against the re-call provision, vote for pay raises and vote for an unbalanced budget.
I agree with Steve. Vote for the Republican candidate in the legislative race. Remember, one seat at a time.
A vote for a Republican is the ONLY WAY to protest one-party rule in Illinois. As I was at the Mercer County Fair yesterday, this hit me like a ton of bricks. Our Democracy is not set-up for one-party rule. Two or more parties, yes, no parties, yes.....but NOT one. Am I correct? I'll let you be the judge. I have to let you be the judge.
The Framers didn't have political parties at the start, parties evolved from interests and agendas. But from the start there became two. I have personally become aware of one-party rule in certain counties from my county treasurer colleagues. It doesn't matter which party, D or R, when one-party rules, there is potential bitterness or that bitterness shows up to bring gridlock and a lack of solutions to problems. The political balance on certain issues gets hammered and with it small battles ensue to create one big war.
Sound familiar? Look at state government. On the Senate side, the Republicans were left out of much of the budget process. The Senate Republicans can scream, holler and vote no all they want to, but it is of no use. Why? There isn't enough of them, being outnumbered 37 - 22. The Democrat super-majority has been full of steam to vote against the re-call provision, vote for pay raises and vote for an unbalanced budget.
I agree with Steve. Vote for the Republican candidate in the legislative race. Remember, one seat at a time.
10:25 AM
The Agenda for Action to be introduced by House Republican Leader Tom Cross on July 15th is crucial to get Illinois back to fiscal stability. An area I have especially taken interest in is the single, updated, searchable database website accessible to the public at no cost that includes each entity that receives Illinois funding.
This is closely related to my 7th performance measure: create a data and research agenda. First, my goal in this area is identify what Illinois needs. The Agenda for Action plan would identify where your taxpayer dollars are going. You could find out where your money was going. But if we had helpful specifics first, legislators would appropriate your money more wisely. That's where my performance measures come in.
Legislators have to hear from you and if we also have timely information from the state agencies, we can then know if you have been better served. I see this proactive role making state government more efficient. We have to cut down on the waste and the Agenda for Action along with my performance measures will do just that!
This is closely related to my 7th performance measure: create a data and research agenda. First, my goal in this area is identify what Illinois needs. The Agenda for Action plan would identify where your taxpayer dollars are going. You could find out where your money was going. But if we had helpful specifics first, legislators would appropriate your money more wisely. That's where my performance measures come in.
Legislators have to hear from you and if we also have timely information from the state agencies, we can then know if you have been better served. I see this proactive role making state government more efficient. We have to cut down on the waste and the Agenda for Action along with my performance measures will do just that!
6:06 AM
The State House of Representatives will be back in session on Tuesday the 15th to vote on the massive budget cuts made this week. The special session should last three days. On Wednesday night the House defeated plans to borrow more money to pay down the pension debt and to sweep more special funds. The proposed budget cuts amount to 1.4 billion dollars, and the House will have to vote on those cuts.
5:53 AM
Governor Blagojevich cut the budget to balance it, but kept the pay raises intact. With those increases, his salary goes from $170,917 to $184,035. A spokesman for the Governor referenced state statute for his decision. In 2003 Governor Blagojevich vetoed raises.
Tom Cross, House Republican leader mentioned that the idea of a pay raise is "mind-boggling" in this economic climate.
Tom Cross, House Republican leader mentioned that the idea of a pay raise is "mind-boggling" in this economic climate.
8:50 AM
Mark Johnson of ilgopnet.com wrote an excellent article about my blog and campaign. Thanks so much Mark! I was really pleased with his comments and I think you will be too. Mark made mention that he liked the form of the blog and wants all candidates to take a look at it.
One note I would like to make is that blogging is a great way to keep folks up-to-date and gives me the opportunity to document the campaign's activities. Be sure to also check out the campaign website.
One note I would like to make is that blogging is a great way to keep folks up-to-date and gives me the opportunity to document the campaign's activities. Be sure to also check out the campaign website.
5:50 AM
The Mercer County Fair got under way on Tuesday, July 8th. The Mercer County Republican Central Committee has a booth in the Merchant's Building. How many years have both political parties had a booth? I don't know exactly, but for many years. Our booths are right across from each other too. How 'bout that! Makes for some interesting discussion.
We gave away 300 popcicles on Wednesday for Kid's Day. What a treat and a great response! We gave some out to folks who are kids at heart too! On Friday, Republican Day, we're giving out watermelon. So far our response has been excellent.
In talking with folks I've learned that a major concern is adding more debt that has to be managed by more taxes. Keep taxes flat is a big message. The pension liability has to be tackled, but remember this is not a situation that can be fixed overnight. I'm talking about a time frame of 25 - 28 years. Also keep in mind that the liability is at 42 - 44 billion dollars! Too much underfunding for about twenty years has taken its toll. Strict fiscal discipline has to be maintained to solve this. Remember that a bill put off today has to be paid tomorrow.
We gave away 300 popcicles on Wednesday for Kid's Day. What a treat and a great response! We gave some out to folks who are kids at heart too! On Friday, Republican Day, we're giving out watermelon. So far our response has been excellent.
In talking with folks I've learned that a major concern is adding more debt that has to be managed by more taxes. Keep taxes flat is a big message. The pension liability has to be tackled, but remember this is not a situation that can be fixed overnight. I'm talking about a time frame of 25 - 28 years. Also keep in mind that the liability is at 42 - 44 billion dollars! Too much underfunding for about twenty years has taken its toll. Strict fiscal discipline has to be maintained to solve this. Remember that a bill put off today has to be paid tomorrow.
9:52 AM
Thursday evening was a great time in Orion. The festivities started at St. Paul's Lutheran Church where they were serving up some great food. The lighted parade started at dark and what a gathering! I had quite a time meeting many people and sharing some candy with some fantastic kids. I saw an "old friend" along the way. He is Adam Browning from Andover, who is quite a parade goer since he was at the Colona Memorial Day Weekend Parade on May 25.
On a serious note, Adam represents our future and we can't leave that behind or saddle his generation with more unmanageable debt. But that is precisely happening with Illinois government today. A pension liability worth $44 billion and unpaid Medicaid bills worth $1.7 billion. Legislators go back in special session July 9 & 10 to hammer out the unbalanced budget and perhaps bring forth a capital works plan.
Can lawmakers find compromise to solve these pressing problems? If they don't, state government could shut down. I'll keep you posted!
9:18 AM
The Associated Press did an analysis on the cost of this special session coming up. Legislators will collectively travel 60,000 miles at 50.5 cents a mile. Legislators receive $129 per day for lodging and meals. Add in the cost of aircraft expenses, the total will top just over $80,000.
1:10 PM
Lawmakers will be back in Springfield next week to talk about the budget. But what is it all about? The Bond Buyer, a publication about public finance has an article that explains the situation very well. Here's a breakdown:
- The Senate approved a series of revenue-generating measures when they signed off on the spending plan.
- The House approved the spending side of the package, but DID NOT vote on a $16 billion pension obligation bond issue, the transfer of various funds and a CAPITAL BUDGET that combined would have trimmed the deficit by more than a $1 billion.
- The Governor has called on the House to approve the ILLINOIS WORKS capital budget that would free up about $320 million in the operating budget and the transfer of $530 million from various non-general fund accounts.
- House Speaker Mike Madigan's spokesman said there's not sufficient support for the various measures to win passage.
- Without a budget, State Comptroller Dan Hynes has warned that bill payment could be delayed along with employee paychecks.
- The proposed CAPITAL BUDGET relies on about $7 billion from a partial leasing of the State Lottery, $800 million in upfront funds from the issuance of new gambling licenses, $7.8 billion in new general obligation borrowing and local and federal matching dollars.
- About $6.2 billion of the bonding would be repaid with recurring gambling expansion revenues and $1.6 billion from transportation-related taxes and fees.
- The pension borrowing plan has been dropped by the Governor due to lack of support.
- The current unfunded pension laibility is $42 billion.
- On Wednesday the 2nd, Moody's Investment Service issued a special report which monitors four states - California, Illinois, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania - that have entered new fiscal years without a budget in place.
- The timing of state budget enactment can affect the ratings Moody's assigns to state issued general obligation bonds and other debt.
9:52 AM
On Tuesday July 1, an update was given on Keithsburg by the Mercer county ESDA Coordinator. The cleanup is just now beginning and IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER check in at City Hall. The effort was very well coordinated with all the agencies involved. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE MEDICAL RESERVE CORPS, GO TO THE MERCER COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
Reports were that faith based organizations came through in an excellent way when people were first in need. The Salvation Army had originally sent two people and they helped with the coordination of supplies, because they were coming in at a rapid rate. The Red Cross was also involved. All the county agencies were in the loop and their efforts were a big help and contributed to the success of the total relief effort.
Planning in advance was a big contributor to the total effort too. The county's disaster plan was in place and the evacuation had taken place before the major flooding hit town. The water has receded enough now to where folks are going back in. A lot of mud! This clean up effort will take a lot of time and resources, but the avenue is open for supplies and help to arrive.
Reports were that faith based organizations came through in an excellent way when people were first in need. The Salvation Army had originally sent two people and they helped with the coordination of supplies, because they were coming in at a rapid rate. The Red Cross was also involved. All the county agencies were in the loop and their efforts were a big help and contributed to the success of the total relief effort.
Planning in advance was a big contributor to the total effort too. The county's disaster plan was in place and the evacuation had taken place before the major flooding hit town. The water has receded enough now to where folks are going back in. A lot of mud! This clean up effort will take a lot of time and resources, but the avenue is open for supplies and help to arrive.
9:02 AM
Governor Blagojevich has decided to call state legislators back in session for July 9th and 10th. The topic will be the out-of-balance budget. The new state fiscal year began on July 1st, and no new budget. Governor Blagojevich is calling on lawmakers to pass a $600 million construction revenue plan and to allow "fund sweeps", the term used so that accounts with cash can be used for the general fund. There is about $3 billion out there. The state senate has already passed the revenue measures. The Governor has said the House leadership was stalling.
According to House Speaker Mike Madigan's office, support most likely will be luke warm at best, just like in May. Madigan has ruled out tax increases.
technorati: politics
According to House Speaker Mike Madigan's office, support most likely will be luke warm at best, just like in May. Madigan has ruled out tax increases.
technorati: politics