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Bomke has called upon Governor Rod Blagojevich and
the legislative leaders to address what they failed to address
earlier this year.
"The Governor and Democratic Leadership in the House
and Senate need to work together to reach a compromise and ease the
burden on Illinoisans that are seeing a major increase in their
utilities," said Bomke. "Inaction cannot be tolerated any longer."
Bomke explained that calling the legislature into
special session will highlight the issue and increase pressure on
the Governor and his legislative leaders to move forward on a real
solution.
"This issue has gotten caught up in a personality
conflict between two power politicians, the House Speaker and Senate
President. It's time for the Governor to step up to the plate and
show some leadership to get this resolved," Bomke said.
Electric rates for consumers in Central Illinois
were hit hardest by the rates that have climbed nearly 55% for many
Ameren customers. Initial bills are averaging $30 dollars per month
in increases under the new rates.
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 The General Assembly started to take up the issue
during November's veto session and again in early January, but
failed to reach a consensus. A measure to freeze electric rates was
supported by Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan and passed in
the House. However, Sonata President Emil Jones refused to call the
legislation for a vote and the legislation died when the old General
Assembly adjourned at the beginning of January. Instead, an Illinois
Commerce Commission plan to allow an optional phase in of rates went
into effect. While this plan allows for a phase-in of rates, it also
includes a provision that allows the utility companies, at the end
of the three-year period, to charge for deferred costs and 3.25 in
interest.
Bomke says that the public lost in the utility rate
compromise when the Senate would not even allow a vote on Speaker
Madigan's legislation for a three-year freeze on rates. Legislators
need to have the ability to represent the needs and wants of their
constituents through their vote.
"We weren't given that opportunity on this timely
issue and because of this Illinoisans are paying for it," said
Bomke.
Once a special session is called the legislature
must address the special session issue each day before adjourning.
This would force the issue to be addressed and move it to the
forefront of the agenda.
(Text copied from news release sent on behalf of
Sen. Larry Bomke
and received from Illinois
Senate Republican staff)
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