News

Blago Gone/ Deadlock Not

You might have thought Illinois government would improve with Blago’s departure – yet the deadlock remains. Why can’t our statewide office holders and majority legislative leaders get together? They all live within a few miles of each other in Chicago, you know!

Budget Tennis Anyone?

The Illinois Open goes like this…Democrat legislators’ first serve is an unbalanced budget that hits the net. The second service with billions of borrowed dollars attached is interfered with by a ball boy who closely resembles Pat Quinn. The third lopsided serve loaded up with $3.5 billion in credit card borrowing is weakly returned by the Governor – and all who voted for the budget claim the tainted point and victory. At match end, however, disgusted and angry fans leave clutching their wallets fearing the presence of pickpockets. I voted No. This budget is out of bounds.

State Credit Card Debt

Have you ever borrowed money from one credit card to help pay another credit card bill? I didn’t think so! It will cost us taxpayers over $700 million a year for 5 years to pay off this budget gamble, er, tennis match.

Education Funding Cuts

Did you read where, in order to help balance the budget, the State Board of Education voted to cut after school programs, agriculture education, early childhood, reading improvement and hold harmless funding? Yet they, also, voted to increase their own administration personal services (salaries) by 9.6% to $17 Million per year without adding any employees! Say it ain’t so! State Supt. Chris Koch and the Governor have some explaining to do!

Video Poker/On-Line Horse Betting/ Lottery

You should have seen the panic by legislators to get the last tickets on (and vote for) the titanic video poker bill. They (not I) also approved horse race wagering by phone or the internet, and the state lottery is considering going on-line. Coming to your neighborhood and kids, soon.

Medicaid Tid-Bit

Did you know that 50% of Illinois babies are born to single moms, and that 40% of all births are paid by Medicaid? I sure didn’t. What’s that old saying about taxes? “From the womb to the tomb?”

Legislators Cut Own Pay

The General Assembly actually did something right this year by unanimously voting to take 12 furlough days and thus cut their own pay by 4.5%. Future legislators’ pension benefits were also reduced.

Public Pension Reform

A state pension reform commission has started to meet and should make recommendations by this fall. As already seen in the private sector, a two-tiered system of wages and pension benefits may await new public employees next year. It should be a spirited debate.

Federal, State and Local Taxes

Congress, the Statehouse and some local governments are all talking about raising taxes as a way of funding what they call “the people’s business.” Most of the people I talk to, however, want government’s nose out of their business.

Candidates Galore

Hoards of Illinois Democrats are running for higher office and greater glory next year hoping that Obama’s coattails are still strong, while an equal number of ambitious Republicans say they can “smell the rain coming.” But wait! Hold on! Not so fast guys and gals! I think that aroma just might be tea-a-brewing!

4-H Fairs

If you want to feel good about something, attend your county 4-H Fair this year or next. I visited with hundreds of 4-Hers and their families last week in Eureka. I can assure you that Ben Zobrist isn’t the only all-star from Woodford County! These kids are great, too!

We Never Give Up

For all who selflessly serve those less fortunate, thanks for what you do. There are indeed good days ahead. Keep the faith.

Thanks for Everyone’s Kind Words

Thanks for everyone’s kind words and deeds, thoughts and prayers during my wife’s extended illness. She is recovering well and plans to return to teaching again next month. Your Comments Your thoughts and comments on topics of the day are always welcome and greatly appreciated. It’s an honor and a privilege to represent the good people of my district in Springfield.

Newsletter from State Rep. Keith Sommer