The Illinois House of Representatives got a treat this week with a visit by former U.S. Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert.  A resolution honoring the Speaker for his service to Illinois and the entire nation was presented to him on the House floor Wednesday.

The former Yorkville High school wrestling coach and three-term member of the Illinois House was the longest serving Republican Speaker of the House in United States history.  Noted with particular interest was his ability to build consensus and compromise on difficult issues like telecommunication and health care reforms.  Such skills are sorely lacking in Illinois today.

Therefore, I welcomed news last week that Denny agreed to serve on a task force to help craft a capital project plan for Illinois.  While his role is only supposed to deal with the spending side of such a plan, his skills are needed to build consensus on how to pay for such a plan too.  The Speaker will resume his career as an educator in the J. Dennis Hastert Center for Economics, Government and Public Policy at Wheaton College and consult with start-up companies regarding government assistance.

Cook County Sales Tax Hike Threatens State Economy

As if our economy isn't struggling enough, the Cook County Board voted this week to increase their sales tax to 10.25 percent.  This move makes Chicago's sales tax the highest of any major city in the United States.  

The increase comes at a time when Congress and Illinois are trying to stimulate the economy.  Tax increases remove money from the economy, often resulting in business slow-down and job layoffs.  Not only is state revenue reduced as a result, but also demand for state services increase to help unemployed people.

Cook County 's increase in sales tax is just one of the many taxes that have been proposed in recent years including the Gross Receipts Tax, income tax, Payroll Tax, Carbon Tax, Generation Tax, and Parking Space Tax.  While the legislature has not imposed these taxes, even threats of increased taxes discourage job creation and investment throughout Illinois.

Government Watchdog Rates State as Failing

The Pew Center on States, a governmental watchdog group, issued a report last Monday which gives Illinois a poor grade for management – ranking our state only better than Rhode Island and New Hampshire.

The center attributes political animosity to their list of Illinois' weaknesses which include a poor budget process, a grim long-term financial outlook, and the lack of a capital plan.  The report acknowledges online services and information as our only strengths.

I agree with Ralph Martire, executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, who said a C grade is “overrated.”  With $1.7 billion in unpaid bills, a Medicaid system growing at over twice the rate of revenue growth to pay for it, our state's infrastructure falling in disrepair, pension payments growing each year, and an unwillingness of the majority party to build compromise, it is time for change in Illinois.

Unusual Budget Process Could Lead to Another Long Session

Several appropriations bills have been passed out the House since session began.  They have been passed one by one without an overall budget plan, which is an unusual way of going about the budget making process.

I have viewed these bills as helping set priorities in the budget such as more funding to the Extension Service for youth work and helping schools align teaching to state standards.  Senate President Jones, however, may just see them as Speaker Madigan trying to control the budget process.  The feud between these Democratic leaders continues which prevents cooperation and resolution of important issues facing our state.  As a result, the budget process could ultimately be prolonged like last year and run well into the summer.

Legislation which Passed This Week

HB4455 appropriates $7 million from the General Revenue Fund to the Department of Human Services to provide shelter, transitional housing, and counseling for homeless youth.  Even in our area, the number of homeless teens is alarming and efforts must be made to rebuild the family structure, keep kids in school and guide them to become productive members in society.

HB4309 allows school districts to still get state reimbursement despite closing one or more buildings before classes begin.  This legislation enhances a law I passed last year allowing districts to count a full day of attendance if one or more buildings must be closed after 1 hour of classes.  HB4309 will take into account rare situations when a district must cancel an entire day of classes in one or more buildings because of hazardous conditions, and not penalized them financially.

HB4199 adds clinical professional councilors to the list of professionals that may admit a minor to a mental health facility.  I have sponsored this legislation to ensure the referral of a clinical councilor may be accepted in emergency cases for the safety of minors and to reduce the cost of admitting a youth to a facility.

HB4705 passed out of committee this week and will extend the Preschool for All Children program.  It continues the educational focus on 3- and 4-year-old learners and appropriates $45 million to help them learn.  Early childhood education has received $120 million in state appropriations since a new emphasis began in 2006.  Some local schools feel the money could be used more effectively by directing it to kindergarten and first graders.

HB4232 advanced to floor debate about reducing the governor's influence over the State Board of Education and encouraging the board to be a stronger advocate for the needs of children.  The sponsor testified that the governor has prevented the board from asking the legislature for more school funding.

HJR111 passed the House last week calling for a referendum this fall on holding a Constitutional Convention.  The state constitution says citizens must be given a vote every 20 years on the question of holding a convention to update the constitution.  The last convention was in 1969.

HJRCA28 advanced to the House floor for debate last week calling for a constitutional amendment giving voters the power to recall constitutional officials, legislators and judges.  The measure provides for a high number of petition signatures and short time to get them so that the recall would be rare and only for serious official misconduct.  

Property Tax Forum Tonight

Representative Ron Wait and I are conducting a Property Tax Assessment Forum tonight March 10 at 7:00 p.m. in the DeKalb County Farm Bureau Center for Agriculture, Sycamore.  Plan to attend to learn about property assessment, reasons for adjustments, appeal process and impact on property taxes.

We thank Chief County Assessment Officer Margaret Whitwell, Township Assessor John Hietikko, Board of Review member Jerry Wahlstrom and County Clerk Sharon Holmes and assistant Sheila Larson for sharing their time and expertise.