Week of May 26, 2008

Last week, the Democratic majority, along partisan lines, passed a series of departmental appropriation budgets that could leave the state with well over a $3 billion deficit in fiscal year 2009. That potential deficit, if the higher end appropriation bills are accepted by the Senate, does not include a record $1.7 billion in unpaid vouchers that would remain at the Illinois Comptroller’s office at the end of fiscal year 2008. In other words, the sum total of the State’s debt would be almost $5 billion.

The argument for revenue to offset this debt would be that Illinois could possibly finally auction the still unused 10 th riverboat casino license, some natural revenue growth could occur and possibly Illinois will reap additional federal funds in FY09 that surpass FY08 federal support. The total of these aggressive estimates regarding additional revenue total around $1.2 billion. Even if all of those revenue projections materialize, Illinois would be somewhere around $3.5 to $4 billion in the hole as the result of these budget moves.

I voted against all versions of the budget appropriation bills because the budget is not even close to being balanced. The budget bills that were passed last week amount to nothing more than a cruel hoax on the people of the State of Illinois. It is more of the same from a dysfunctional majority party that has left us with a budget process which threatens funding of 4-H, Soil and Water Conservation Departments and our public school system.

What happens next in the budget process? Well, the Senate and House must pass the same version of a budget before sending it to the governor for final action. The Senate is working on a budget that would likely also increase spending against this backdrop of debt. The Speaker of the House is still not talking to the Senate President and the governor is quickly becoming irrelevant due to issues related to court cases where his name is mentioned constantly regarding pay to play politics.

The House and Senate will meet again after the Memorial Day holiday and could likely meet until the May 31 st session adjournment deadline. Remember, after that date, it takes a super-majority rather than a simple majority to pass a budget. While the Senate President has a super-majority, the House Democrats are still short of a super-majority and if the session goes past May 31 st, House Republicans will become involved in the final budget outcome. If Republicans are allowed into the budget process, there will be less spending likely and a more balanced budget approach.

It is really hard to guess what the final version of a budget will be. However, there is little doubt that it will be out of balance by billions of dollars. That means that sometime in the fall, after the election, we might see a “November surprise” in the form of a tax increase of some type. I should have more news next week.

Other legislation also is being acted on. It appears as if the House sponsor of a civil union bill is still trying to gather enough votes for passage. Basically, this legislation would codify and legalize unions between same sex couples. Under current Illinois law, only marriage between a man and a woman licensed, solemnized and registered is valid. A marriage or union between individuals of the same sex is contrary to public policy in Illinois. Even if a person who lives in Illinois goes out of Illinois to another state or country and marries a same sex partner, that union is not currently recognized as legal in Illinois.

Under HB1826, partners joined in a civil union would have the same protections, benefits and responsibilities under the law as what is currently granted to a spouse in a marriage. We could see this legislation again before the end of session. I believe marriage is an institution between a man and a woman. I will continue to oppose any effort to break down this important institution.

It does look like the House will have an opportunity to vote on legislation that attempts to deal with campaign contributions. The Senate passed HB824 last week which would forbid campaign contributions by those awarded state contracts or any affiliate of those awarded contracts with an ownership interest of over 7.5 percent. There are additional limits on the amount of contributions and new disclosure rules. I will vote for any and all additional restrictions and daylight into campaign contributions. The governor has indicated that he does not like the current version of this legislation and might use his amendatory veto power to “improve” the bill. Stay tuned!

There were no gun bills called for a vote last week, but I will remain vigilant against any attempts to diminish our Second Amendment Rights. Sometimes towards the end of the legislative session, an anti-gun bill sneaks though to the House floor.

Finally, I urge everyone to take time this weekend to honor those who have died in military service to our Country. The traditional Decoration Day, now Memorial Day, provides us with an opportunity to honor those brave men and women who have given their lives so that this great nation and our freedoms can endure. Take the time to recognize that this Memorial Day in some significant way.

Please continue to contact me with your concerns regarding any legislation that might start moving during this scheduled last week of the spring session. Phone me at 618-563-4128 or 217-558-1040, write to me at Box 125, Hutsonville, IL 62433 or e-mail me at reddyunit1@aol.com, or stay informed by checking the website at www.peopleforeddy.com.