Sen. Bomke's Week in Review

Jan. 21-25

[January 25, 2008]  SPRINGFIELD -- Illinois lawmakers may have just ended one of the longest and most divisive sessions in state history, but state Sen. Larry Bomke, R-Springfield, reports that Illinois' 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, as part of a forum at Northwestern University on Wednesday to discuss Illinois' current political climate and the obstacles they predict for the future.

The 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.

Bomke explained that this backlog in payments could ultimately have a negative effect on the state's credit rating, which could hinder the state's ability to sell bonds in the future. Additionally, if the massive delays persist, contractors will become disinclined to do business with the state, and in some instances the setbacks may force contractors to either charge more for their services or discontinue providing certain services completely.

Capital bill killed by transit vote?

A week after the General Assembly approved a Chicago-area mass transit funding plan, a statewide capital construction project is looking less and less likely. Though heavily supported by downstate legislators, the $13 billion capital plan endorsed by the contingent appears to be losing momentum in the Statehouse.

Many lawmakers hoped to tie the initiative to the mass transit funding plan, which they anticipated would provide them with the leverage necessary to negotiate a capital bill. However, the plan failed to materialize after several downstate Democrats jumped ship and supported the CTA bailout with no strings attached.

Blagojevich's legal bills mounting

Gov. Rod Blagojevich disclosed this 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 over $1.3 million in legal fees in the last 18 months. In fact, when taking into account the total amount reported since 2005, it is over $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.

[Text from file sent on behalf of Sen. Larry Bomke by Illinois Senate Republican staff]