Week of May 11th, 2009
As expected, several Senate Bills moved through the House last week. I will review a few bills this week and provide you with information about a piece of legislation introduced by the Speaker late in the week that attracted a lot of attention. Finally, I will give you another update on current budget rumors as session winds toward its scheduled close at the end of this month.
Senate Bill 62 passed the House with 89 out of 118 members voting in the affirmative. The legislation provides that it is unlawful for a child sex offender to knowingly operate, whether authorized to do so or not, any of the following vehicles: (1) a vehicle which is specifically designed, constructed or modified and equipped to be used for the retail sale of food or beverages, including but not limited to an ice cream truck; (2) an authorized emergency vehicle; or (3) a rescue vehicle. The legislation was debated for a long time prior to the vote. Some Representatives felt that perhaps the General Assembly was beginning to go too far regarding what precautions there are in law restricting the occupations of child sex offenders.
The sponsor of the bill argued successfully that these types of vehicles are attractive to young children and the possibility exists that these vehicles could be used to lure young kids. The ice cream truck makes a perfect example. It may be difficult to determine where to draw the line regarding legislation that restricts job choice and other movements of child sex offenders. I voted yes to this legislation because it makes sense and it seems we are better off to error on the side of caution when it comes to children and convicted child sex offenders. But, I think we might be nearing a time when more restrictions could have a hard time passing. One Representative mentioned that if we are going to continue to restrict movement and possible employment of released convicted child sex offenders, perhaps they shouldn’t be released at all.
SB207, a measure designed to bring sunshine and more transparency to the property assessment process passed the House unanimously. Basically the legislation sets forth specific items that must be included in the notice sent to taxpayers whose assessment has changed. It requires disclosure of information concerning access to databases containing the physical characteristics of the property. It also requires the board of review to make their rules and procedures publicly available, and requires the chief county assessment officer to provide a plain-English explanation of equalization factors. I think this is a good, common sense improvement to the assessment system.
Another Senate Bill that received unanimous positive action was SB230. This legislation allows for County Boards to use a portion of a sales tax that was passed by voters for public safety purposes to cover expenses of fire departments in the county where the tax is levied. Several Illinois counties have passed, by referenda, an additional sales tax for use for public safety purposes. This simply expands the definition of public safety to include fire departments. It requires action by the local County Board for the use to be expanded.
There will be many more Senate Bills acted on in the next few weeks as we move toward the scheduled adjournment date of May 31st. I will review many of the bills as they are acted upon. You can follow everything on the Internet at www.ilga.gov
A controversial bill that was introduced at the end of the week is the subject of a lot of discussion in Springfield and around the state. As you remember, one of the real concerns that people had about former Governor Blagojevich was the way it appeared many of those appointed to head a State department or fill any of the thousands of state jobs in Illinois got the appointment. In the pay to play world that was uncovered, it is assumed that many of those who were employed really had no background or experience and were simply hired for some type of political or contribution consideration.
Governor Quinn has stated that he was reviewing many of the appointments and would be acting on dismissals or changes in the next several months. Apparently, Speaker Madigan was not happy with the speed at which the “fumigation” was taking place. So, he introduced legislation that would dismiss all appointees made between 1999 and the day Blagojevich was removed from office. So, the appointees include those made by both former Governors Ryan and Blagojevich. About three thousand people would lose their jobs immediately if the legislation passes the way it currently reads.
You can imagine the reaction. Those effected are concerned and many wonder if this is fair. Of course, anyone dismissed could reapply and be re-employed or reappointed. But, that is a lot of stress for everyone and the dismissal would take place without due process.
I am interested in what you think about this rather aggressive proposal by the Speaker. Should a complete fumigation take place and all of these people by removed? I know many of you have contacted me about appointments made by Blagojevich to positions which the person appointed had absolutely no background for and appeared to simply be “connected” politically. There are many instances where allegations of campaign contributions in exchange for employment consideration have been levied. Is it best just to fire them all?
This might move fast, so please give me your input by e-mailing me: reddyunit1@aol.com or calling either 618-563-4128 or 217-558-1040. You can also write to me at Box 125, Hutsonville, IL 62433. You can also monitor my website at www.peopleforeddy.com for updates.
As far as budget rumors go, it appears that the strongest rumor is that we could see a very austere budget proposal this year. There is simply not enough revenue to pay for all of the state’s current obligations. That means that cuts are likely for many state programs and even vital programs are at risk of cuts. I will provide more specific information as details become available. This is not a pretty budget picture and there are no good solutions. People may want to see additional revenue in the form of taxes, but that would be very difficult in these economic times.