Senate Week in Review - May 2-6, 2011

With a month to go until the General Assembly’s scheduled May 31 adjournment, Senate Democrats advanced a handful of budget measures that State Sen. Tim Bivins (R-Dixon) said would lock Illinois into a permanent tax increase, and quite possibly force tax hikes higher than the 67 percent increase already passed this year.

Also during the week, the Senate advanced controversial legislation that seeks to provide children of undocumented immigrants with greater access to higher education.

While Senate Republicans acknowledged the modest efforts made by Senate Democrats to reduce spending in the budget documents advanced May 4, a number of the so-called “cuts” were actually increases over the Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 budget. Bivins explained that while reductions were made from the Governor’s recommended spending levels for the FY 2012 budget, spending under the Democrats’ plan still exceeds spending for FY 2011.

The Senate GOP Caucus urged Democrat lawmakers to withhold a vote on the budget measures, and instead work together on a budget package that advances realistic spending caps to keep state spending at a level that allows the tax hike to expire and phases out the state’s looming debt. Recently, State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka cautioned that even with the tax hike, Illinois could end the fiscal year with an approximately $8 billion deficit—roughly the same size shortfall the state had in 2010—unless significant spending cuts are made. Senate Republican lawmakers noted that voting for the Democrats’ budget measures would have been akin to voting for a permanent 67 percent tax increase.

In a related matter, the Legislature’s bipartisan Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability, the organization charged with reviewing state spending and revenues, released a new report that outlined eight different budget projections. Six of the scenarios would leave the state with a deficit in three years—and the lame-duck 67 percent tax increase would remain in effect.

The only budget projections released by the Commission that would put the state in the black during the tax hike would require zero spending growth over the next three years. However, even under these no-growth budgets, without significant cuts the state would once again be in the red once the tax hike expires. The projections were consistent with a “Reality Check” budget plan unveiled by Senate Republicans in March that showed cuts of $4-$5 billion are needed this year to allow the tax hike to expire as promised.

Republicans have also said that it is inappropriate to move ahead on the budget without progress on much-needed workers’ compensation reform. Workers’ compensation reform is an essential component of budget reform that will reduce costs to the state and encourage job growth. Senate Democrats killed important workers’ compensation reform recently when 28 Democrat senators voted “present” on the measure. Though negotiations on the vital legislation continue, a compromise has not yet been achieved.

Speaking before business groups during the week, Gov. Pat Quinn again pledged to support meaningful workers’ compensation reforms. But the day after his speech, when employers got a look at the Governor’s actual proposal, the state Chamber of Commerce termed it “terribly disappointing” and “a lot of soft mush.”

During the week, the Senate also passed a contentious measure that proponents say will help the college-bound children of undocumented immigrants, though opponents say the measure encourages illegal immigration.

Senate Bill 2185—the “Dream Act”—allows students who are non-U.S. citizens to participate in the state’s college savings programs, which require personal, not taxpayer-financed contributions. The legislation also establishes a scholarship fund that would be financed entirely through private donations, and institutes guidance counselor training on working with students who are undocumented immigrants.

The student would be required to obtain a taxpayer identification number from the Internal Revenue Service and be a state resident in order to take advantage of the programs.

Opponents emphasized the law represents acceptance of illegal immigration, and expressed concerns that undocumented students could take spots in these institutions that would otherwise be given to legal citizens. Lawmakers who voted in favor of Senate Bill 2185 said that the children who were brought to the country illegally should not be held accountable for the decisions of their parents. Supporters noted that undocumented immigrants are already allowed to attend Illinois universities, and can receive in-state tuition.

Violence Begets Violence

Mr. President, Senators and neighbors,

As a citizen of the United States, I am offended that president stated that justice was done at the end of a gun. That is what criminals and vigilante groups everywhere say to justify their actions. It is an affront to me that so many national leaders lack a belief in the US constitution and the legal justice system and so permit the Guantanamo Bay detention site where; rendition, torture, and the failure of due legal process has now been coupled with assassination.

The U.S. assassination of Osama bin Laden announced on Sunday night continues the violence initiated by al Qaeda’s attacks on the United States and the reciprocation of war in Afghanistan and Iraq. While some people in the United States may feel closure or vindication in the death of the man who claimed to be the intellectual author of the September 11 attacks, I see this action as a failure of the justice system, malfunction of national leadership, constriction of imagination, and bankruptcy of political will that has no more capacity than to answering violence with more violence.

I believe that war is not the answer, and perpetual violence is not the answer. The costs are too high. Tens of thousands of people have been killed or wounded in the past decade, and more than $1 trillion has been spent by the United States alone. The United States has violated civil liberties and continues to hold political prisoners without trial.

Killing Osama bin Laden will not end violent extremism. A long and bona fide public trial that named the intentional slaughter of people and suffering he contributed to and the cost in human terms would show the flawed thinking and depraved character of such understandings. With his assassination the groups that Bin Laden fostered and the ideas behind them will remain. The war in Afghanistan continues. Troops remain in Iraq.

Such approaches make those who apply them no different than al Qaeda where human life is reduced in value rather than protected and most significantly to me violates the instruction of Jesus and the New Testament Christian faith. It also appears to violate international law.

Stop the wars. Send the warrers home!

Dan Rusmisel

Lanark, IL

Jeopardy

For the first time in history, Standard & Poors has downgraded U.S. debt outlook to “negative”. This downgrade is a clear shot across our bow, warning us we’re entering treacherous waters and demanding we immediately change course. While the downgrade by itself has no immediate fiscal impact, the next shot will be aimed squarely at us, and would likely cause interest rates to explode. We’re clearly in jeopardy.

Federal mandatory spending is spending required by law. This differs from discretionary spending, which could be stopped without re-writing any laws. If we assume one-half of defense spending is mandatory, mandatory spending adds up like this (Trillions of dollars):

Medicare $0.8

Social Security. $0.7

Federal pensions $0.2

50% of defense. $0.4

Interest on debt $0.2

Total $2.3

Our federal government revenue is $2.2 trillion, while mandatory spending is $2.3 trillion. Add in discretionary spending, and this year the federal government will spend $1.6 trillion more than it takes in.

How about a quick game of “Jeopardy”? The answer is: “We have to borrow money to pay the interest on our debts.” What is the question?

The CBO projection for President Obama’s 2012 budget has the national debt doubling in 10 years, and never achieving a balanced budget. The CBO has not yet scored the Ryan Budget, but it is estimated to increase the debt 60% in 10 years, and balance the budget in 26 years. The Republican Study Committee has a draft budget which would balance the budget in 5 years. And, of course, not increasing the debt ceiling would force a balanced budget in 3-4 months. It’s pretty clear we can choose another course, we don’t have to go sailing full speed into the iceberg.

And the Jeopardy question? Did you ask, “What is: ‘Broke, and headed for bankruptcy’?”

Terry Smith

Lanark. IL

An Open Letter to Illinois Republican Senators

The Illinois Republican Senators who voted ‘YES’ to Dream Act SB 2185 are part of the problem in Illinois. Instead of focusing on issues like jobs, taxes and our economy they are trying to win votes by pandering to those who are in this country ILLEGALLY. It is clear our current elected officials are much more concerned with their reelection than what matters for the LEGAL citizens of Illinois. We will Never forget your VOTE!

Republicans who voted YES are:

Pamela Althoff, R-32 ()

Larry Bomke, R-50 ()

Bill Brady, R44 ()

Kirk Dillard, R-24 ()

Dan Duffy, R-26 ()

Tom Johnson, R-48 ()

Matt Murphy, R-27 ()

Christine Radogno, R-41 ()

Ronald Sandack, R-21 ()

Suzi Schmidt, R-31 ()

Dave Syverson, R-34 ()

If you are outraged with their votes, additional contact info is available at http://www.illinoistea.org/contacts/illinoissenate.html

And more information about Governor Quinn pulling Illinois from the Federal Deportation Program is at http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2011/05/quinn-pulls-state-out-of-federal-deportation-program.html

“It is better to offer no excuse than a bad one.” - George Washington

Sauk Valley Tea Party – established in 2009, is a local, grassroots organization committed to the founding principles of this great nation. Our mission is to engage local citizens in our electoral process and advocate for the election of those who will protect our God-given rights and individual liberties while promoting personal responsibility, sound fiscal policies, constitutionally limited government and free market principles. We may be contacted at SaukValleyTeaParty.com

Atlas Shrugging

The new movie, “Atlas Shrugged,” depicts what is going on in America. Punish hard work/ & entrepreneurs. Redistribute wealth, tax success, and give it to poorly managed business, grow government, more regulations, dollars to politicians’ campaign coffers for a more European type of socialized government.

After viewing the movie we turned on the news to hear the Obama administration was trying to stop Boeing from moving to South Carolina, a right to work state. Wow! Those actions fit right into the message of Atlas Shrugged. Other news this past week:

1- County chairman John Blum has been publishing informative letters about our tax structure. This week, 15% of the county’s total property tax levy goes towards pensions, which are mandated. Rather than cut the budget to match revenue intake, the tax rate goes up to match the pensions.

2- Representative Jim Sacia’s letter informed us that Illinois prison guards will receive pay raises totaling $54 million from “COLLECTIVE BARGAINING” - the infamous term from the teachers union protest in Madison WI.

3- Northwest IL Development Alliance (NIDA) has a “vision” to throw another $100,000 towards the big flop Mill Race Crossing. This excitement by some of our leaders was prompted by a cheerleading session from the Executive Director of Development from Dubuque, IA. Of course, Iowa and all of Illinois’ surrounding states are optimistic since our State government raised our personal tax and the corporate tax. NIDA has not had any success getting business to come to Mill Race in spite of the several hundred thousand dollars we taxpayers have given them. We can’t sell Mill Race or get any rent as farm ground, because all of the topsoil has disappeared and nobody knows where it went.

So I have a “vision”. Take our tax dollars we give to NIDA and concentrate on paying the $6 million we owe on this industrial park. When we fire the politicians that made IL a state that is unfriendly to business, Mill Race will be there and hopefully our county will not have filed bankruptcy.

We have great realtors that have been very successful in the past in getting business to come, and they get no pay until they have success. We have county web sites, and a million dollar information booth on the east edge of town. Together we can get this done.

Bill Dietz

Stephenson County Tea Party

Lena IL

Correction . . .

In the May 4th Issue of the Prairie Advocate, it was reported (Savanna Grapples Over (But Finally Approves) Water/Sewer Rate Hikes) that the Ordinances for the 4 and 5 dollar monthly service charge increase for sewer improvement and the Public Way and Property Improvement Fee for the City of Savanna had been approved by the City Council. This was incorrect. Only the first readings of those ordinances were approved. The second, and final readings, will be on the next scheduled meeting on May 10th. The Prairie Advocate apologizes for the error.

Capitol Report

By Jim Sacia, State Representative, 89th District

We are a state of 12,800,000 citizens. We recognize that 48 other states have some type of concealed carry, allowing responsible citizens, meeting certain criteria, to legally carry a firearm. I know I use this phrase way too often but it is “pretty common sense stuff.”

For the second time this session my good friend Brandon Phelps (D-Norris City) presented HB148 – Concealed Carry as amended, to the twelve of us on the Agriculture and Conservation Committee in a room so packed with those wishing to testify, that a fire marshal would have gone into immediate cardiac arrest.

Yes, I proudly co-sponsored the bill and as I dug my fingernails into my palms and listened to testimony that Illinois cannot put firearms into the care and custody of law abiding citizens, my blood was reaching the boiling point, but I remained composed as I must.

“Spin” is a word with which we’ve all become familiar. Have you ever had a high pressure fire alarm salesman come to your home to sell you their product? Some would have you believe that if you don’t buy their product your family will die in a fire. Such was some of the testimony. Give honest law abiding citizens a gun and we’ll see the Wild West all over again.

Deputy Superintendent Peterson of the Chicago Police Department, a veteran of 39 years on the department, testified as the professional he is, with the city’s opposition to the bill. I respect and accept that. But wait, the Chicago Police Lieutenants Association, and the Chicago Police Sergeants’ Association are both in support while the rank and file Fraternal Order of Police are neutral on the bill. The point is bad folks will always have guns and could care less whether it’s legal or not to carry. Most street cops support the bill.

My good friend, John Cavaletto (R–Salem) a fellow member of our committee, shared his heart wrenching story of his 38 year old daughter-in-law who four years ago went for a walk in rural Illinois. I’ll spare you the tragic details, but safe to say, as John conveyed to us, had his daughter-in-law, the mother of two, been allowed to carry her weapon in her fanny pack she may well be with us today.

My seat mate and good friend, Don Moffitt (R- Gilson), did a masterful job in discussing response times with Deputy Superintendent Peterson, who proudly stated ten minutes responding to a felony in progress would be completely unacceptable in Chicago.

Don shared that in rural Illinois there may be only one state trooper or deputy sheriff in the early morning hours, where thirty minutes would have to be acceptable and the armed honest responsible citizen could make the difference of life or death.

The Governor has flip flopped from stating he’d wait until the bill hits his desk to decide, to now saying he is in opposition. The state police have been ordered to go from neutral to oppose. Go figure!

The debate goes on.