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"Even though our
first responders are among the most well-prepared in the nation, we
can always do more," Blagojevich said. "During this severe fiscal
crisis, investing more money in training, equipment and technology
means finding savings in other areas. Passing the pension
refinancing plan in the Senate means giving us the flexibility to
invest in what truly matters: education, health care and public
safety."
The governor has
proposed taking advantage of record-low interest rates and selling
bonds to pay pension debt obligations that can save as much as $2
billion this fiscal year and next and reduce the state's projected
budget deficit.
"Refinancing our
pension bonds puts us 40 percent closer to closing the historic $5
billion deficit," Blagojevich said. "It's the responsible,
common-sense thing to do, and it gives us room to continue improving
our public safety system."
The state has already
taken significant steps to ensure the safety of its citizens as the
result of the war in Iraq, including activating the State Emergency
Operations Center in Springfield, which coordinates all agencies
involved in implementing Illinois preparedness plans, and training
and equipping elite response teams to deal with weapons of mass
destruction, hazardous materials and medical emergencies.
The governor pointed
to additional steps he hopes the state can take. He wants to equip
every one of the 80,000 first responders in Illinois with a mask,
respirator and filters for chemical, biological and nuclear
material.
Blagojevich also
voiced support for a proposal sponsored by state Reps. Mike Smith,
D-Canton, and Don Moffitt, R-Galesburg, to establish a $10 million
revolving loan fund to help fire departments purchase 40 emergency
trucks for local first response teams.
[to top of second column in
this article] |
"The governor has
shown he's committed to strong security and understands the
importance of supporting our law enforcement officials who will be
on the front lines dealing with any terrorist threats here in our
state," said Allen Bennett, director of government relations for the
Illinois Fraternal Order of Police.
"Our role in
protecting the public has grown since the threat of a terrorist
attack against the United States became more real," said Dave
Foreman, president of the Associated Fire Fighters of Illinois. "We
stand side by side with Gov. Blagojevich in calling on the
legislature to make sure the state can continue its duty of keeping
emergency personnel well-equipped and well-prepared."
The pension financing
bill was approved by the state House last week with broad,
bipartisan support. Its fate now lies with the state Senate.
"The pension
financing bill passed in the House because the Republican leadership
was willing to put partisan politics aside and join Democrats in
supporting the plan," Blagojevich said. "I hope we will see the same
bipartisan cooperation in the Senate. I urge my distinguished
colleagues in the Senate to think about the budget in the context of
current affairs. Remember the big picture -- the additional
pressures on our budget resulting from the urgent need for increased
security."
"Now, more than ever, we must come
together to solve our state's budget problems," the governor said.
[Illinois
Government News Network
press release] |
