From the time we are born, humans learn to trust others. We trust our parents, school bus driver, doctor, even in our Heavenly Maker. Trust has been the capital that makes government work too. Citizens trust government to provide protection, spend tax dollars wisely and operate basic services efficiently. A legislator's word, especially to another legislator, was the foundation upon which to build an agreement, a budget, or a capital plan.

Therefore it was insightful last week when the Speaker of the House told a group of fire fighters that he not only didn't trust the Governor or President of the Senate, but that they were also engaged in a civil war where no “prisoners” are being taken.

 Speaker Madigan and most legislators clearly don't trust the Governor to do what he says. When the Senate President failed to override the Governor's veto of the 2008 budget as he promised to do, he broke Madigan's rule that “you only get one big lie”.

The lost confidence in government and honesty of leaders explains a citizen's decision not to vote – just as the lost trust between legislators and leaders explains their inability to agree on solutions to major issues such as a 2009 budget or much needed capital plan.

Citizens ask me as I travel the district how then do we get out of this mess? How do we actually “change” government? I believe we have to go back to basics. Each of us must be truthful. We must hold co-workers, groups, and elected officials accountable. Get rid of the “bad apples.” The American people and elected officials must work together in a bipartisan manner as we did to build this great country. Then, and only then, can we solve national problems, renew Illinois and save our democracy.

Massive Tax Increase Proposal Defeated in House

Yet another tax increase proposal met its death in the House last week as Representatives voted down a constitutional amendment, HJRCA 42, to increase taxes for some and give a tax credit for others. I voted against the amendment not because citizens' don't need tax relief but because most citizens are struggling to survive in this recession and can't afford another tax. The new revenue was not going to pay for the billions of dollars of current obligations but rather start new programs. In addition it didn't try to get better value from the tax dollars we already pay or assure that dollars would be spent on programs fairly around the state.

This constitutional amendment would have doubled income taxes for a very few citizens but the results would have affected us all. Over the years, we Americans have learned we must respect minorities -- whether they are ethnic, racial, religious or have certain incomes. This bill would have targeted only people and small businesses making over $250,000 but who create jobs for the rest of us and already give generously to charitable organizations in our community. We must remember that many can easily move to another state.

This was a bipartisan vote for Illinois families to keep their hard-earned money to pay for the things they need. The cost of housing, utilities, gas, and necessities are soaring, and yet some legislators want to raise taxes.

I will continue to push to pay down debt, fulfill our past promises and make tough choices about spending priorities just like families and organizations have to do in these economic times.

Lawsuit Seeks to Expand Healthcare

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has filed suit in Cook County Circuit Court to challenge the lawmaking process that has been used for decades. This is the latest chapter in the Governor's saga to expand healthcare in Illinois despite any source of revenue or legislative authority.

The suit signals a stark departure from practices followed since 1977 and four previous governors for an executive agency to work in a cooperative manner with the legislature to set state policy. The suit asks the courts to allow the agency to bypass the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR), a bipartisan group of legislators from the House and Senate created to ensure state programs are consistent with legislative intent.

Until recently, the current Governor and his agency directors have adhered to the legislative oversight and even supported JCAR authority to suspend emergency rules proposed by the executive branch. The Governor's complaint came only when JCAR denied his policy objectives in a particular instance.

The Speaker of the House in a recent letter to members spelled out the significance of this lawsuit and why this spring he has required special amendments to legislation. Any bill asking executive agencies to promulgate rules must now include an amendment that necessitates the agency return to the General Assembly for ratification of those rules.

Other Legislative Action

House Bill 4393 , limiting handgun purchases to 1 per month, failed to pass in the House last week but was put on postponed consideration for another vote. Many feel this bill would not have kept guns out of the hands of criminals but would have eroded Second Amendment rights to buy and sell guns.

HJRCA 28 was approved by the House allowing voters to recall constitutional officers, judges and General Assembly members who aren't doing their jobs. Voters are demanding the power to hold officials accountable and now should contact senators, especially Senate President Jones, to debate the bill.

HB4206 passed the House giving security officials the authority to prevent certain items that could be used as a weapon from being carried into a public building. I sponsored the bill at the request of De Kalb County Sheriff Roger Scott and State's Attorney Ron Matekaitis because of an issue at the DeKalb County Court House.

HJRCA 44 affecting the way redistricting occurs will be heard this week in the House State Government Committee on which I serve as spokesperson. Under the Illinois Constitution, legislative district maps are redrawn after a decennial census to assure as nearly equal population as possible. The bill would remove some of the political gerrymandering of district lines by having a Special Master, chosen by Supreme Court Judges, select the district map.

Groups Converge on General Assembly

A number of local groups and citizens lobbied their concerns in Springfield last week and gained a better understanding about government paralysis and finances. Visiting were representatives of local libraries, municipal officials, school groups, fire fighters, higher educators, and college students.

Nearly 400 advocates for affordability and accessibility to higher education held a rally outside the capitol. Every year the cost of college education increases with inflation, school budgetary needs, and lack of state funding.

Current estimates point to the tuition for a child born in 2007 will be nearly $26,935 per year when they are ready for college. Over the last several years, the state has slashed funding to Illinois ' higher education institutions, forcing many schools to raise tuition and fees on students.

Education beyond high school is a necessity for young people to succeed in an international economy. College graduates are more likely to obtain good paying jobs and benefits, but they still must work hard to achieve their dreams. I believe higher education should be a funding priority to ensure that all students who wish to attend college have the opportunity.