Invite Them and They Will Come

 

As I got within two blocks of Aaron Schock’s healthcare forum last week, I thought they must be giving away gold at Five Points in Washington.  A thousand voters turned out to hear the Congressman!  And yes, someone in the audience did ask if Schock were going to run for President someday.  (He’s still eight years too young.)

 

Healthcare Bill To Cost Illinois Taxpayers

 

Among other things, the congressional healthcare bill just passed by the House would greatly expand Medicaid and cost Illinois hundreds of millions of dollars.  (What was it that Everett Dirksen said?  A $ Million here, a $ Million there . . . .)  The Feds are digging our financial hole deeper and deeper while telling us to fill it in with our own hard earned dollars.  Thanks!

 

The Powerful Win / We Lose

 

A phony, bologna ethics reform bill just passed by Illinois Democrats will limit the campaign contributions you as a citizen can make, but will place no limit on contributions legislative leaders can make during general elections.  Can you feel your rights and freedoms slowly slipping away while the politically powerful become even more so?  Disgusting, isn’t it!

 

“Mad As Hell” / “Won’t Take It Anymore”

 

I’m spending a lot more time at the gas station lately – listening as people talk to me about out-of-control government spending and increased government intrusion into their lives.  I suggest everyone watch a four minute clip of the 1970’s movie, Network, on You Tube like I did yesterday. Have we indeed finally entered “The Twilight Zone?”

 

Revenue Slide Continues

 

Once again in October, Illinois’ income tax and sales tax revenue fell sharply – an additional shortfall of $129 Million when compared to October 2008.  Hold on tight!

 

Video Poker Opt-Out

 

Watch for the legislature to soon limit the right of local government to opt-out of the video poker tsunami.  Make your voice heard, now!

 

Cemetery Law Buried

 

A well intentioned effort to scrutinize and regulate the operation of cemeteries has gotten out of hand, so the Illinois House has voted to bury the bill for now.  Can you imagine legislation that would require you to register with the state if you were hired by a cemetery to do something as simple as repairing a light fixture or unplugging a toilet?  Overkill to the max!  Of course, Chicago is exempted from the bill.  One of my colleagues suggested that Chicago didn’t want people checking (cemetery) voter rolls too closely.

 

$84,600 Chauffeur

 

Apparently, an $84,600 per year state employee had no other duties than to be the chauffeur for the Director of the Department of Human Services.  The Director has since resigned . . . for other reasons she says.

 

“Freedom Watch”

 

Our freedoms and constitutional rights are too precious to have them eroded and chipped away.  I will alert you to such threats when they surface in the form of suggested legislation during the upcoming 2010 session.  Please let me know of your concerns, too!

 

Adoption Awareness Month

 

As an adoptive parent and a member of the Baby Fold board of directors, I hope you are mindful of activities in November that focus attention on asking people to consider opening their hearts and homes to children in need of a loving family.  You will be so greatly blessed.

 

Morton Christmas Tree Lighting / Community UCC Chili Supper

 

The Morton Christmas tree lighting is Friday evening at 7 pm.  I’ll be sampling the chili across Main Street at the Morton Community UCC Church sometime between 5 and the tree lighting. 

 

Deer Creek Pancakes and Sausage

 

Maybe I’ll see you also at the Deer Creek Middle School this Saturday as my family joins thousands of central Illinois friends and neighbors in savoring some of the greatest pancakes and sausage this side of the Mississippi.  Bob Hofmann guarantees it!

 

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.