One-month budget shows continued lack of leadership

[June 30, 2007]  SPRINGFIELD -- Nearly one month into legislative overtime, a continuing lack of leadership by the governor and Democratic legislative leaders has resulted in no electric rate relief and a one-month budget, according to state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington.

The one-month budget to keep state government running was approved Wednesday by the House of Representatives and Friday by the Senate. Brady says he did not vote for that budget.

"I stand in opposition to this piece of legislation and in opposition to the complete chaos that we are operating under," Brady told his Senate colleagues during debate Friday. "We were elected to be leaders. Leaders make tough decisions and work hard. As much as we all want to go home and be with our families and friends to celebrate the independence of our country, it is incumbent upon us to stay in Springfield and do our jobs. Extending last year's appropriations is not doing our jobs. We are letting down the people who elected us to be leaders."

The Bloomington lawmaker said he does not want state government to shut down, but months of rhetoric and political posturing need to be replaced with action.

"Like you I want to see state government operate. Like you I also understand that Governor Blagojevich gave us a budget document that was ridiculous and something that would have bankrupted Illinois. And we put a stop to that," Brady continued. "That was the right thing to do. Now the right thing to do is stay in Springfield, demand that the governor stay here -- not fly back and forth every day at the expense of taxpayers -- and deliver a budget that moves Illinois forward, a budget that's balanced, a budget that meets our pension obligations, a budget that funds education not only for our children but for the property tax relief our citizens deserve."

The 44th District senator says negotiations continue on a plan for electric rate relief, but Democratic leaders do not seem to appreciate the very real financial strain that families, senior citizens and others on fixed incomes are suffering as a result of skyrocketing electric rates.

Lawmakers are not scheduled to return to Springfield until July 10.

[Text from news release sent on behalf of Sen. Bill Brady by Illinois Senate Republican staff]