Rutherford : Governor’s travel costs are irresponsible
Thursday, June 21, 2007 - Posted 3:48:39 PM by Office of Sen. Dan Rutherford
Springfield
,
IL
–
State Sen. Dan Rutherford
(R-Pontiac) says he is concerned with the travel routine of Gov. Blagojevich,
and the increasing tab that his daily flights from Chicago to Springfield are
costing taxpayers.
Gov. Blagojevich chooses to reside in
Chicago and travel to
Springfield
to attend to legislative business
and daily statehouse leader budget negotiations. A recent report by the
Associated Press showed that in the last month, the governor has cost taxpayers
roughly $76,000 in travel costs alone—and that number is increasing daily.
Sen. Rutherford explained that the money spent by the
governor for his flights could be put to better use
elsewhere.
“Instead of paying for travel expenses, let’s put the
money to good use. For the cost of the Governor’s flights from the past month,
the state could have hired new teachers or front-line correctional officers,”
said
Rutherford. “There’s a reason the state
pays to staff and maintain the Governor’s Mansion in
Springfield, and these flights to and from
Chicago are just another example of the lack of respect
this Governor has for the residents of
Illinois
.
“As
elected leaders, we are charged with the responsibility to spend taxpayer’s
dollars wisely. Gov. Blagojevich, on the other hand, has decided to treat the
state as his own personal travel agency, flying in and out of
Springfield
as he
pleases.”
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