February 18, 2011

Budget plan looks forward, but paying past bills is a critical priority 

On Wednesday, Governor Pat Quinn unveiled his FY2012 budget blueprint, marking the first step of state government’s annual budget negotiation process. With the continued need for spending cuts and the protection of core public services, reaction from Senate Democrats was mixed. 

What virtually all members of the Senate Democratic caucus have agreed upon is the desperate need to pay off billions of dollars in outstanding bills owed to Illinois businesses, schools and other service providers. The challenging economy has resulted in historic drops in revenue. As a result, thousands of Illinois vendors have been waiting months for payment from the state. To help make payroll, to keep their employees working, to keep the lights on, to pay their own bills, many of these vendors are taking on their own debt by borrowing. 

The recent temporary tax adjustments passes in Illinois were aimed at both stabilizing revenue and providing the ability to immediately pay past due obligations. Under the concept, one-quarter percent of Illinois income tax would be dedicated to financing a responsible bonding program to pay these vendors. If passed, the plan would have a positive impact on thousands of employers in every area of the state.    

The support of Democrats to approve a borrowing plan isn’t enough. It takes 36 votes to approve a bonding program in the Senate. That means, a minimum of one supportive Republican vote is needed. But, so far, Senate GOP leaders said they aren’t budging.

In a press conference this week, Senate Republicans reaffirmed their unified opposition to current concepts to pay Illinois vendors. What they haven’t yet highlighted is a reasonable alternative. So, to keep afloat, thousands of Illinois employers (state service providers for seniors, the severely disabled and child care providers) are being forced to continue to borrow.    

Senate Democrats have – time and time again – said they are ready to negotiate any plan with Senate Republicans to pay the bills Illinois owes. This week, President Cullerton again put that offer on the table.  It’s absolutely necessary to address the issue quickly because untold thousands of Illinois citizens’ lives are being impacted.      

Watch some caucus members' reactions here

Read others members' written reactions here

Combining Comptroller and Treasurer Positions will save $12 Million Annually

Days before the Governor gives his annual budget address, State Senator Kwame Raoul spoke during a press conference on an amendment he is sponsoring to eliminate the State Treasurer’s Office. This bi-partisan effort would lead to cost savings for Illinois taxpayers of approximately $12 million annually.

"There is a lot of crossover between the offices and this measure provides needed consolidation in Illinois government," Senator Raoul said. "This is another step toward good fiscal government in the state."  Read more about Treasurer...

Forby Passes Southern Illinois Jobs Bill

Today, Senator Gary Forby continued his efforts to create jobs in Southern Illinois by passing legislation to help Continental Tire company create at least 350 new full-time jobs at it’s Mt. Vernon-based plant.

“From the first day I was elected, I have been focused on creating jobs, paying our bills and working to fix the state budget,” Senator Forby said. “Putting people to work is what’s going to get us out of these tough times. When people are working, they can buy groceries, pay their mortgages and put their kids through school. I don’t consider this type of tax break that creates hundreds of jobs lost revenue for the state when you look at the whole picture.” Read more about jobs...

House passes Cullerton bill to restore accountability, strengthen oversight in government appointment process

The Illinois House overwhelmingly approved a measure to strengthen the legislature’s advise and consent role for reviewing government appointees. The legislation, sponsored by Senate President John Cullerton and Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno, ends the practice of “acting appointees” serving for unlimited periods of time without confirmation of the Senate.

“This reform is not about punishing members of the Governor’s administration, it’s about restoring the institutional role of the Senate in the executive appointment process,” said President Cullerton.

Currently, more than 500 appointees serve in their posts even though their terms expired. Under the existing law, appointees must be reviewed and approved by the Illinois Senate. However, it is not uncommon for high-level administrators to continue to serve without re-appointment or review. Senate Bill 1 clarifies that this practice in no longer acceptable.

The proposed law will require the Governor to submit new nominations for all existing salaried appointees who are currently working for the state even though their previous terms expired. If they are not re-nominated, they are immediately removed from their positions. Unpaid appointees serving beyond their terms are granted a 30-day window to have their nominations submitted to the Senate.

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On our website…

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• Sandoval bill establishes Inspector General for Public Universities
• Historic Spending Reform becomes Law
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