 Upcoming session as difficult as 2007?Illinois
lawmakers just ended one of the longest and most divisive
legislative sessions in state history, but the four legislative
leaders are concerned the upcoming 2008 session will be just as
difficult.
Senate Republican Leader Frank Watson, R-Greenville, met with
House Speaker Michael Madigan, D-Chicago, Senate President Emil
Jones, D-Chicago, and House Republican Leader Tom Cross, R-Oswego,
on Jan. 23 as part of a forum at Northwestern University to discuss
Illinois' current political climate and the obstacles they predict
for the future.
The leader lawmakers agreed that 2008 will most likely be another
difficult year in Springfield, with Illinois facing serious economic
problems, including a record backlog in unpaid bills, burgeoning
state pension obligations and unprecedented delays in payments to
state vendors and Medicaid providers.
Payment backlog hurting economy
The backlog in payments could negatively affect the state's
credit rating and, in turn, hinder the state's ability to sell bonds
in the future.
In addition, if the massive repayment delays persist, contractors
will become disinclined to do business with the state. In some
instances, the setbacks may force contractors to either charge more
for their services or stop providing certain services completely.
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 Gov. Blagojevich's legal bills mounting
Gov. Rod Blagojevich disclosed last week that he has incurred
even more in legal fees over the past year with the ongoing federal
probe of his fundraising efforts and alleged corruption in his
administration.
The governor has incurred more than $1.3 million dollars in legal
fees in the last 18 months. In fact, when taking into account the
total amount reported since 2005, it is more than $2 million in
legal fees since the probe began in 2005.
Blagojevich continues to face scrutiny, as allegations of
pay-to-play politics -- including awarding lucrative state contracts
and appointments to campaign donors -- continue to dog his
administration.
Legislative session resumes Feb. 13
Lawmakers are scheduled to return to the Capitol Feb. 13 to begin
the process of committee hearings on new legislation.
[Text from file received from
Sen.
Bill Brady]
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