Nero Fiddled / Quinn Wants Budget Delay

Governor Quinn wants to delay his 2010 Budget Address from mid-February to mid-March.  Add a two week Easter Break and the state won’t tackle the budget until late spring.  Is the February 2^nd primary election really the higher priority?  The time for fiddling is over!

Health Committee Chairman Throws Fit

Legislation with broad support that would allow an outside review of an insurance company’s denying you medical coverage for a procedure was put on hold last week when the chairman refused to call it for a vote.  Seems the chairman was ticked off that her attempt at similar legislation did not pass earlier in the year.  Unfortunately, no one was surprised.

Revenue Spigot Rusting Shut

Illinois’ revenue drought has thus far yielded a $1 Billion loss for FY 2010 from June projections.  Instead of relying on recycled Blago budget gurus, the state might just get better $ advice at Judy’s Restaurant or the Yuton Elevator.

Best Pols Roam House Floor

If the frequency of their visits to the floor of the Illinois House means anything, then a few of our state pols have a leg up in the upcoming election for governor.  Brady and Dillard are regular visitors.  Quinn is often seen, but Hynes only rarely.

Legislators Pushing Rep. Leitch

At the Advocates for Access fundraiser a few days ago, several state and federal lawmakers pushed a wheelchair carrying Rep. David Leitch down a paved path along the Illinois River. Witnesses will testify that Cong. Aaron Schock and I pushed hard to the right while Democrat Rep. Jehan Gordon pushed to the left.  The result was lots of money raised to help disabled individuals  -  and a frightening, white-knuckled ride for David Leitch!

House Kills Tax Referendum Vote

The Illinois House has defeated a bill that would require even home-rule counties to ask for voter approval before raising some sales taxes.  What are they afraid of?  I voted Yes.

Governor Recall on 2010 Ballot

Wow!  There is actually some good news coming out of Springfield.  You will get the chance in the November 2010 election to approve a procedure to remove a sitting governor.  Too bad it comes a bit late, huh?

Fumigation or Investigation

The suggested removal of hundreds of highly paid Blagojevich appointees has been termed “fumigation.”  Though the Senate has stopped the spraying, the word now being whispered around the Capitol is “investigation.”  Chicago newspapers are already tapping their barrels of ink on the topic.

Gang Violence / Enforce and Prosecute

Gang violence has become a major concern in many communities throughout the state.  Aggressive law enforcement and swift prosecution are needed  - instead of the annual targeting of the 2^nd Amendment rights of law- abiding citizens by Mayor Daley and his cronies.

Candidates File / Primaries Galore

October 26^th is the first day for candidates to file for the 2010 elections.  There are races from U.S. Senator and Governor down to county officials, too.  Get your family members and new neighbors registered to vote, and don’t let your snowbird friends forget about absentee voting.  With the early February 2^nd primary, there will surely be lots of extra “Santas” around this year, though, to remind you.

St. Pat’s / Countryside / Jefferson Schools

It was great fun to visit St. Pat’s School in Washington and Countryside School in Eureka recently.  Great schools, great kids!  Likewise with the 5^th graders from Jefferson School in Morton who visited me in the Capitol last week.

Township Officials / Bankers / College Students / GOP Women

I also got to visit with White Oak Township Officials, area bankers, MAP grant college students, and the Morton GOP Women’s group in recent days.

Early Thanksgiving Dinner

Sen. Dan Rutherford, Rep. Shane Cultra and I will speak to the fall meeting of the Livingston County Retired Teachers in Pontiac next Monday.  A turkey dinner with all the fixings will be served.  Yum!  I’m looking forward to seeing my friend, Coach Roger Tuttle, at the front of the food line.

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.