4:21 PM
The Springfield Journal Register has an excellent editorial on what Quinn should do. He'll have to go it alone if he decides to do so. Sometimes there aren't going to be anyone riding shotgun.
8:56 PM
Please note that Bill Brady has NEVER voted for a tax increase!!
9:02 AM
On Saturday, June 27, the Rock Island Republican Central Committee held their upper Rock Island County event at the Civic Center in Cordova. This is the second year for this and it was a great time. Bobby Schilling, candidate for the U.S. House was there and spoke about getting the 17th District back to a more stable foundation to keep and provide jobs. State Representative Jerry Mitchell from Dixon adressed the gathering and mentioned that the state legislature goes back to Springfield to hopefully get the capital plan in place. The Democrats are holding it up since Governor Quinn decided to take on House Speaker Madigan, at the expense of much needed projects around the state.
Eric Wallace announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. I like Eric. we first met at the Illinois State GOP Convention in Decatur last year. I extended my support and I hope you do too.
The event was hosted by Rich and Betsy Morthland. Rich is a member of the Rock Island County Board, having won his seat last year. I thank them for their hospitality and friendship.
Pictures: left, Rich Morthaland and Johnathan Wallace; center, Me and Bobby Schilling; right, State Representative Jerry Mitchell
2:56 PM
Here is what Bill wrote:
The fiscal 2009 deficit, which stood at $4.2 billion, will be reduced to $2.3 billion in the new fiscal year through revenues from the federal stimulus package, $300 million from dedicated funds and $600 million from a less than perfect bond refinancing scheme.
I believe we can manage that budget, if the administration holds the line on spending, while we undertake a serious and overdue review of the entire revenue and spending priorities of government today.
Those agencies that were fully funded at last year's levels should hold back 10 percent of their budgets in reserve. Those services that were funded at 50 percent should limit their spending over the next six months to 90 percent of their appropriation last year.
There will be some sacrifice but that managed spending will allow government to continue to function and serve our most vulnerable populations with fewer layoffs, fewer closings and fewer people left without assistance than what the Governor has been threatening.
Governor Quinn should come back to the General Assembly in the fall with a supplemental budget that recognizes the savings realized through efficiencies, management and prioritization and that uses those savings to fund needed services in other areas of government.
We also need to reform our spending. Let's start by reining in spending with a comprehensive look at how and where Illinois spends your tax dollars. Let's look at reforming our Medicaid program, where Illinois has lagged behind other states by not instituting a managed care system that reduces costs and increases access to quality health care. Let's refinance our debt with a bonding system that spreads the lower cost over time without taking a two-year payment-free holiday that pushes another $600 million on to our children and grandchildren.
Illinois is at a crossroads, our task difficult, and our choices not easy. But a tax increase that takes billions of dollars out of our economy and hands it to a deep-rooted bureaucracy resistant to change is not the answer.
We can do better, and we must do better for the future of Illinois.
Remember State Senate Republicans have called for spending reforms and Bill's debt refinancing plan makes good sense.
7:36 AM
The Republican leadership in both the House and the Senate have stood firm on one item: Illinois government needs spending reforms. The Governor has decided to take it out on the GOP by slashing social services.
So overspending ran rampant and the citizens of Illinois have little to show for it. The Republicans in the legislature have made it clear: spending reforms come first. Let's hope the GOP does not cave in to the pressure of a tax increase.
9:01 AM
The Economic Reform Agenda was announced by the Institute and State House Republican Leader Tom Cross on March 11th. The policies include a 3/5 majority votes on tax and fee increases (I agreed with this as a state senate candidate in 2008) and a Stimulus Watch Act, requiring all programs started by the stimulus funding must end when funds are no longer available.
As a result, the Illinois Policy Institute has become the leading pro-taxpayer policy voice in Illinois. Key information is also available from them regarding state public policy.
Download the latest edition of the Institute's publication here: The Compass
Illinois Policy Institute Policy Points
7:49 AM
The annual Rhubarb Fest was held on June 5 & 6 in Aledo. What an amazing event. Suzy Bogguss capped off the festivities on Saturday night with a concert.
The Mercer County Republicans had a booth and Bobby Schilling, the GOP candidate for the U.S. House in the 17th District was there. Bobby's campaign is taking off and it was good to see him.
Pictured is Kim McCutchan from rural Aledo, who is helping out with the Schilling campaign.
1:04 PM
Never thought of this!!!
8:28 AM
I am excited at the chance to help Bill get elected. He has the best interests of Illinois at heart.