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Dems' squabbles send session into overtime No electric rate
relief and no budget, but pay raises for state officials, $300
million in extra taxes on employers and a staggering increase in
gambling -- such are the "accomplishments" of the
Democratic-controlled Senate as the adjournment deadline came and
went May 31.
The 95th General Assembly is officially in overtime.
We are in legislative gridlock. The media report that Democratic
leaders of this state have spent only about three hours discussing a
budget that could top $50 billion! They had until May 31 to get the
work of the people done, but they failed.
Now Republican lawmakers have the opportunity to step in and
arbitrate and provide the kind of leadership that has been sorely
lacking.
Businesses targeted again!
Senate Democratic leaders have once again targeted Illinois
employers and the jobs they provide, passing $300 million in
additional business taxes May 31.
We are the fifth-largest state in the nation, but because of the
tax and fee policies of the last four years, we are now ranked the
fifth-worst job-performing state.
Instead of proposing record tax increases to prop up their
bloated spending plans, the governor and his Democratic colleagues
would better serve the citizens by promoting strong economic and job
growth.
These policies cost us jobs! When are they going to wake up? They
need to work to balance our budget without continuing to reach into
the pockets of Illinois taxpayers.
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 "No!" to pay raises and extra gambling
I did not support the Senate Dems’ supplemental spending bill
that includes a 10 percent pay raise for lawmakers -- the largest in
state history. I also opposed their legislation that would add three
new riverboat casino licenses for the Chicago suburban region, a
land-based casino for Chicago and more positions for the nine
current riverboat casino licenses.
Lawmakers approve Tremont resident’s idea to cut energy
costs
A Tremont resident’s idea about cutting energy costs is one step
closer to becoming law.
Earlier this year, Dan Mathis talked with me about alternative
energy sources, and I agreed to sponsor legislation based on his
suggestions. On May 31, that legislation was officially passed by
the General Assembly.
Senate Bill 680 requires an electric utility to establish a "net
metering" pilot program for its retail customers that own and
operate a solar-powered or wind-powered electrical generating
facility.
Good laws don’t necessarily come from political scholars in their
ivory towers. Some of the best laws are the result of common-sense
suggestions from citizens who are addressing the problems they
encounter on a daily basis. I congratulate Dan for his idea, which
is one step closer to becoming law.
The legislation now moves to the governor’s desk and will become
law with his signature.
[Text from file received from
Sen. Bill Brady] |
