Promises made by well-meaning senators and state representatives in good times have proven to be disastrous in today’s stark reality. This is the state’s responsibility and shifting costs locally would be a terrible double whammy to my tax-capped counties. We must craft a stable system that rights the state’s ship and still treats people with dignity. I have yet to see a long-term solution that addresses this completely, and continue to work locally to create additional legislation that responds in a balanced fashion. I’m extremely frustrated that the legislature has not been called to the Capitol to work on pensions this summer. There is no reason that pension issues could not be resolved before November 6; legislators should be thinking less about their reelection and more about the people of Illinois. We were sent to Springfield to find answers, not avoid tough decisions. I support a plan that addresses ALL the pension systems and does not just cherry-pick the easy ones.
Every single one of the state’s 118 representatives and 59 senators does their job in a different manner. I treat the position as full-time regardless of the legal definition. That’s my decision, and does not necessarily reflect how others do their job. I personally believe that this position was created by our founding fathers to be of limited service, not a lifetime legacy. With that philosophy in mind, I co-sponsored two pieces of legislation to change that benefit. The first, HB 3969, addresses double dipping. The bill presents outgoing and former state lawmakers from picking up a second pension from another governmental position unless the hiring agency agrees to pick up the entire cost. That became law this August. The second, HB 3973, amends the General Assembly pension code to end legislative pensions, effective immediately. That bill was filed in January, but has been buried in committee by Speaker Madigan.
I learned first-hand both as a volunteer and employee for Senior Services Associates what an important safety net Medicaid is for those most needing help. It exists to ensure the best quality of life possible for the frail and disabled. Without reform, that important program was on the edge of financial collapse, endangering the care for those truly in need and eligible for care. This year alone providers faced a payment delay of 300 days. Entering FY2013, the Illinois Medicaid program already had a $2.7 billion backlog. Without changes, in 4 years the state would be facing a $34 billion backlog in old unpaid bills, $21 billion of which would have been Medicaid bills. The reforms are meant to address unsustainable growth and match expenditures with revenues available to pay the bills. By implementing common-sense efforts such as using a private vendor to review elibibility, benefits can be directed to those truly eligible for assistance. An estimated 400,000 people now receiving benefits in Illinois do not even live in the state.
Elections are held on the first Tuesday in November. The winner of that election does not become a member of the General Assembly until they are officially inaugurated in mid-January of the following year. That leaves a window of about a week in early January when legislative voting rules revert to a simple majority and the outgoing legislator, a “lame duck”, has the opportunity to vote yes on controversial legislation and escape facing angry constituents because they’re already on the way out. The number of well-documented examples where legislators have switched votes, and then received lucrative jobs, is embarassing. This would be easy to resolve by simply extending the super majority rule (3/5 of the legislators) through January. Anything political in Springfield, however,is seldom easy. The lame duck tool is a favorite of the majority party, and is often used to make dramatic changes in the way Illinois does business. It’s wrong.
The industry should remain at its well-regulated present size. The 50th District is unique in Illinois in that it is the recipient of both jobs and community impact dollars from multiple gaming establishments. As a business leader I was able to watch the evolution of the industry in the Fox Valley from its very beginning. The original legislation was specifically designed to aid aging river towns regain economic vitality, and it has been successful. Expanding gaming statewide of simply adding one casino in Chicago would be disastrous to the Fox Valley economy. There are a finite number of people who enjoy gaming, and any new sites would simply dilute the existing clientele, spreading it among more venues and dropping the revenues of the older facilities. Less revenue translates to a smaller workforce. Any gaming expansion means my residents lose jobs.
Both the human and physical infrastructure needs attention. I believe communicating with those I serve is a priority, and I use multiple venues to do so. I send an electronic update, Hatcher’s Highlights, to constituents on a regular basis. I’m constantly meeting with individuals, organizations and other government leaders. I post my daily schedule on Facebook so everyone knows where I am and who I’m talking with. I’ll continue to do my best to generate an atmosphere of trust and take the politics out of an inherently political position.
My Springfield focus is transportation. I’m already working with the Illinois Department of Transportation to secure additional funding for Route 47 improvements. I convinced the Tollway to schedule an extra Hearing for communiters that head into Chicago from my District and personally spoke on behalf of an interchange on Route 47. I partnered with IDOT at a community forum when businesses were suffering from a major intersection rebuild, resulting in signage changes and amended plans. Convening a meeting with Waubonsee Community College and IDOT planners within 24 hours after the highway death of a student initiated important safety changes. I have the Tollway, Metra and IDOT on speed-dial.
Governor Quinn entered the Governor’s mansion when his predecessor took another job making license plates. Elected for a full term thereafter, his general likability somewhat buffers his frustrating habit of treating issues like cooking spaghetti. He throws out an idea and then sees if it sticks to the wall. Both he and the legislature are dealing with turbulent times, and I would welcome leadership that crafts a long-term plan based on solid data.
I applaud his decision to veto the gaming bill, and deeply appreciate his support of my veterans\\\\\\\' bill that protects grieving families from protesters at their loved one\\\\\\\'s funeral.
I\\\\\\\'m appalled at his decision to call a special session this summer when the legislature was already in Springfield. His decision was nothing more than grandstanding and cost the people of Illinois about $40,000. I was one of only a handful of legislators who refused to accept the additional pay. Like most of the residents of the Fox Valley, I also profoundly disagree with his income tax hike last January.
Illinois must honor its current pension obligations, but make modifications for future employees. The issue of pensions should be solved as soon as possible in a bipartisan effort to ease our state’s financial crisis. Illinois must close the loopholes that are allowing people to receive pensions who simply do not deserve them. Illinois must work to stop any form of pension abuse.
I do not believe that the pension costs should be shifted to suburban school districts. Many school districts are having financial hardships and cannot afford to spend anymore. Shifting the burden to suburban school districts will take away educational resources from the students and could increase property taxes.
The state of Illinois must make modifications to incoming legislators in regard to pensions. Other pubic employees are having their pension systems examined and legislators should be no different.
I do not support the Medicaid reform package passed by the General Assembly. These cuts negatively affected health services for the poor including prescription drugs for seniors and disabled children.
Legislators need to address the major concerns of Illinois immediately. Citizens are looking for answers and these issues deserve to be addressed.
The positive points of increasing the number of casinos in Illinois would be the creation of new jobs, increased state revenue, and more tourists that will spend money in our state. That being said, Illinois must be cautious of who gets a license for gambling. For example, it is important to give the Illinois Gaming Board acceptable time to review license applications for items such as gaming machines. I am not opposed to new gaming in Illinois, but want to make sure that all of the regulations are followed to protect consumers and be in the best interest of the state.
WELFARE REFORM:
A major change that I would make in Illinois is the way our public assistance programs function. I support a plan that requires recipients of the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program to pass a drug screening in order to receive funding. This will help ensure that those receiving cash are using public funds wisely and not abusing the system. Many residents I have spoken to are clearly concerned that their tax dollars are not being spent responsibly. This program will help restore trust in our system by ensuring that those who use the funds are hard working residents who are trying to get back on their feet. This program will protect the reputation and dignity of those on public assistance who truly need help.
CONCEALED CARRY:
I would demand a concealed carry law in Illinois. This is an issue of public safety. Responsible citizens should have the right to protect themselves against armed criminals who will carry a firearm regardless of the law.
First and foremost, Governor Quinn has had to make some very difficult decisions and I respect him for attempting to get our state back on the right track. Governor Quinn has done well in regard to his ethics investigation at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign and his support for bettering the environment. I did not support the decisions of Governor Quinn in regard to the tax increase and cuts to social services.
