Week of March 16th, 2009

It appears as though the latest tragedy involving yet another Chicago high school student who lost his life last weekend to a senseless murder will provide the backdrop for debate on HB48 this week in the House of Representatives. HB48 is one of several gun control bills that have made it to the House floor. The purpose of HB48 is to place severe restrictions on the private sale of handguns. There is no doubt that the violence which has resulted in over two dozen Chicago high school students being murdered by criminals this school year will be used as fuel by gun control advocates. These are senseless tragedies, no doubt. However, the weapons used in these violent acts are already illegal. More gun laws will only be heeded by law-abiding citizens. Perhaps if the advocates of more gun control would become equally vigilant about crime control, we would see a reduction in violence in locations that more restrictive gun laws already exist.

Last week, thousands of law-abiding citizens came to their state Capitol in Springfield to express concerns about the possible loss of Second Amendment Rights. It was an impressive show of citizen advocacy. This week, we will likely have to play defense on at least one well intentioned, yet unconstitutional proposal regarding Second Amendment Rights. I will do my very best to stop this legislation from passing. HB48 is just one of several bills related to gun control that we need to stop this year. Others include HB165, HB179, HB180, and HB199. You can track any of these bills at www.ilga.gov

Last week, we had some success in stopping a bill that was aimed at restricting ATV riding. As you will remember, HB3914, among other restrictions, would have made it illegal to operate an all-terrain vehicle or off-highway motorcycle if the operator is under the age of 16, or does not have a valid driver's license. The legislation did not make it out of committee. Several hundred Illinois citizens showed up at the committee hearing and voiced strong opposition against the legislation. This type of public is what we need more of this spring! When citizens get involved, it often makes a difference.

Last week, I outlined what might be coming in Governor Quinn’s Budget Address which will be heard this week. Since then, Governor Quinn has made it public that his budget will include an income tax increase proposal. It appears as if he is proposing a one and a half percent increase in the Illinois income tax as a revenue source for the State. The increase is coupled with other changes in the tax code which are designed to mitigate any20effect of the increase on families and low wage earners. The exact details are yet to come, but it looks like an increase in the personal exemption from two thousand dollars to six thousand dollars is being proposed. In addition, Governor Quinn is likely to propose income credits that would negate any effect of an income tax hike on lower wage earners.

There will also be proposals to reduce government spending. One area that is gaining a lot of attention is pension costs. It appears as if there will be a proposal to create a two-tiered pension system for teachers and state employees. The thought is that all new state employees and teachers were to belong to a retirement system that was based on contributions rather than benefits, the amount of the dollar liability would be reduced for the state. All current employees would remain under the defined benefit program that was in effect when they started their careers. I have some concerns about the effect this change will have on future recruitment of teachers. One of the reasons people go into education is the retirement system.

The other major expense that needs to be dealt with in some manner is the rising cost of Medicaid to the State’s budget. Once again, it will be interesting to see what reforms Governor Quinn announces in this arena.

Next week, I will discuss the Budget Address in more detail. One thing for sure, I think we are all expecting a much more realistic approach to solving the fiscal crisis from Governor Quinn than the smoke and mirrors approach that we have seen the past six years. For my part, I want to keep an open mind and work with Governor Quinn and the majority party in an attempt to solve our fiscal problems and pass a capitol bill so that we can repair roads, bridges, schools and other infrastructure in Illinois. I will be asking for your input regarding Governor Quinn’s proposals in the coming weeks as well.

In the next few weeks, there will be hundreds of bills debated in the House. Committee hearings have dominated the session so far, but lots of bills will be passed or defeated until the House deadline to pass bills over to the Senate on April 3rd.

It is important that I hear from you regarding legislation that is important to you. With that many bills, your help and input is essential to me. You can track legislation at www.ilga.gov and also follow the action on my website, www.peopleforeddy.com. Please feel free to call one of my offices at (217) 558-1040 or (618) 563-4128 or (217) 932-9082. You may also e-mail me anytime at reddyunit1@aol.com, or send mail to Box 125, Hutsonville, IL 62433 or 222-N Stratton Office Building, Springfield, IL 62706.

In closing, another reminder that the Governor’s office20has set up a website for folks to stay updated on the federal stimulus package. All project proposals are to be submitted through this site. So, even if you have contacted our office, is important that your project is submitted on: http://recovery.illinois.gov