Kinzinger Statement on Blagojevich Verdict

From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R, IL)…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) today issued the following statement in response to the partial verdict in the retrial of Rod Blagojevich, former governor of Illinois:

“Rod Blagojevich never seemed to understand the difference between serving the public and serving his personal self interests. The evidence presented and verdict confirms that he was found guilty of seventeen of the twenty counts including wire fraud, attempted extortion and attempting to sell President Obama’s old Senate seat, but far worse, he abused and shattered public trust. The shame and national embarrassment Blagojevich cast onto our state has only created further financial bearing.

“I applaud the U.S. Attorney’s office for their hard work, dedication and effort to see to it that justice has somewhat been served. Unfortunately, Blagojevich’s verdict and punishment will not restore statewide, much less nationwide certainty in Illinois. We must now move beyond Rod Blagojevich and turn our focus toward working together to rebuild Illinois.”

http://kinzinger.house.gov/


Roskam: The Dems Are Out of Touch‏

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (R, IL)…

We’re at a crossroads in America. The Obama economy continues to underperform: 9.1% national unemployment, 14 trillion in debt, and a potential double-dip recession on the horizon. Even with all of America’s assets, endless potential, and the unrelenting American spirit, this Administration has led our country astray with one failed policy after another.

Americans are tired of the Obama Administration’s continual underperformance and seemingly never-met expectations: an $800-billion failed “stimulus” and the promise that summer 2010 would be “recovery summer.” Yet, even in the face of proven failure and a weak economy, the Democrats that run Washington continue to cheerlead for their failed policies.

Just weeks ago, Democrat National Committee Chair Debbie Wasserman-Schultz actually told NBC’s Meet the Press that Democrats have “turned this economy around.”
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Roskam: The Dems Are Out of Touch‏”


Ottawa Small Business Owner & Rep. Adam Kinzinger on America’s Nightly Scoreboard‏

From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R, ILL)…

Jerry Halterman, owner of HR Imaging Partners Inc. in Ottawa, IL and U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger (IL-11) joined David Asman on America’s Nightly Scoreboard to discuss how the Administration’s failed policies have created more government regulation and a lack of confidence to expand business.

This interview comes on the heels of Rep. Kinzinger’s small business roundtable with members of the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce. Kinzinger hosted the roundtable to listen and discuss business owner’s ideas to create economic certainty in order to leave future generations with a strong, thriving economy. The roundtable confirmed the recent National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) report, which stated confidence of small businesses has dropped into recessionary levels. Small business owners from Ottawa, IL claimed taxes and regulations contribute to the continued uncertainty over our economy.

http://kinzinger.house.gov/


Kinzinger Supports Bill to Increase North American Energy Production

From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R, ILL)…

Washington, D.C. – The House Energy and Commerce Committee, which Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-11) serves on, yesterday passed the North American-Made Energy Security Act, H.R. 1938, with bipartisan support by a vote of 33 to 13. Kinzinger issued the following statement:

“What does the Keystone XL pipeline mean for the United States? For starters it means reducing our addiction to foreign oil and creating directly and indirectly more than 100,000 jobs.

“It means 1.3 million barrels of oil from our friends to the North, which means we will need less oil from the Middle East, less oil from Venezuela, less oil from countries we can no longer rely on.

“And, it means $5.2 billion in new property tax revenue for bankrupt states.
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Kinzinger Supports Bill to Increase North American Energy Production”


Rep. Kinzinger Defies GOP Opposition to Democrats War Resolution

-By Warner Todd Huston

Representative Adam Kinzinger made what is in my opinion a principled vote on the pair of resolutions concerning the authorization and funding of Obama’s mission in Libya today. His principles however ran counter to the Republican’s conventional wisdom on this and he was one of only eight Republicans to do so in one case.

The first resolution that came to a vote was H.J.Res.68 – Authorizing the limited use of the United States Armed Forces in support of the NATO mission in Libya. It was introduced by extremist, left-wing Democrat Alcee Hastings (D, Florida). The resolution was meant to give cover to President Obama’s military involvement and hoped to give Obama up to a year of extra time to stay in Libya without further authorization.

Kinzinger voted with the Democrats on this, but I feel he did so in keeping with his support of the mission as opposed to his desire to aid Democrats. He supports this mission and that is that. Whether you agree with the effort or not, I think Kinzinger stayed true to his ideals and did not use this vote to play politics with the issue. (Kinzinger voted “yea” along with eight other Republicans: Dent; Dreier; S.King; P.King; McCotter; Rivera; Rogers of Michigan)

**BELOW, see video of Kinzinger’s floor speeches and a transcript of his comments**
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Rep. Kinzinger Defies GOP Opposition to Democrats War Resolution”


Kinzinger Urges Passage of Jobs and Energy Permitting Act

From the Office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R, IL)…

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-11), a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, spoke out on the floor of the House in support of H.R. 2021, the Jobs and Energy Permitting Act of 2011. This bipartisan legislation would ease the permitting process in order to increase domestic energy production opportunities, reduce our addiction on foreign oil and create American jobs.

“The American people are beginning to understand that this Administration and its agencies are having real consequences and real impacts on the unemployment rate, on the joblessness and on the price we are paying on a barrel of oil and a gallon of gasoline,” said Kinzinger. “Every dollar that a gallon of gasoline increases, it is a regressive tax on Americans. Meanwhile, we sit around and argue while bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. have their way.”

Development in two of Alaska’s Arctic seas (the Beaufort and Chukchi), which contain up to 27.9 billion barrels of oil and 122 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, could deliver up to 1 million barrels of oil per day of domestic energy.

Congressman Kinzinger represents the Eleventh Congressional District which is home to three nuclear power plants, hydropower plants, ethanol and biodiesel plants, and an oil refinery. The district embodies the all-of-the-above approach to energy that Kinzinger stands for. Nuclear energy production alone employs more than 2,500 people through the Illinois Valley.

http://kinzinger.house.gov/


No Hiccups in State’s Construction Plan‏

From the Office of GOP Minority Leader Tom Cross…

After action by the General Assembly today — the state’s construction program will continue without interruption this summer keeping tens of thousands of people on the job repairing our state’s roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

This is another example of the General Assembly working together this session to achieve the common goal to put our state back on the right track.

We worked together to pass a budget that spends less money than we did last year—and made some tough choices to keep our spending down.

This has to be our new way of life.

We are not finished working on budgets that continue to bring our spending under control and reforming our government to make our state a place we can be proud of.

CLICK HERE to watch my comments on the House Floor today.


Dems Plan Proves Medicare Dead by 2024

-By Warner Todd Huston

Congressman Peter Roskam, House GOP Deputy Majority Whip, got on record the fact that as things stand right now Medicare is dead by 2024. No ifs, ands, or buts, unless a major overhaul of the system is undertaken, Medicare is done in a little more than a decade.

Before congress two officials testified that based on our current path in 2024 there would be “actual” cuts to Medicare at 17%. They also confirmed that Medicare would end itself by 2024 unless actions are taken to save the program.

Democrats have tried to claim that it is Republican cost cutting that dooms Medicare, but this is simply untrue. Bt the very rules under which it now works, it seems that Medicare is already headed for doomsday.
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Dems Plan Proves Medicare Dead by 2024″


Kinzinger Reaction to the President’s Remarks Regarding Troop Withdrawal in Afghanistan

From the Office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R, IL)…

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-11), a pilot in the Air National Guard, issued the following statement on the President’s announced plans in Afghanistan:

“Last month during my trip to Afghanistan, I spoke with generals on the ground who believe we are winning and have turned the corner. The wrong thing to do at this stage would be to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory, which will happen if the number of troops withdrawn exceeds the recommendations of our generals. Decisions regarding troop withdrawals must be determined by conditions on the ground, not political timelines.

“Stability in Afghanistan remains a top priority in the interest of our national security. History will judge us by the decisions we made to ensure the safety of our men and women overseas and of our country during this critical time. Our mission must be about the long-term safety of our nation, not the next election – this is something we cannot lose sight of.”

http://kinzinger.house.gov/


A Spending Increase in Springfield‏

Following the passage of a record tax hike earlier this year, politicians from both parties promised fiscal austerity. As some would tell it, they’ve delivered on that promise by passing a budget containing cuts.

But the truth is they have not delivered on that promise. At least not yet.

Our analysis shows how – contrary to promises and reports of a leaner budget – the plan passed by the General Assembly amounts to a significant spending increase compared to last year. This budget will lead to billions in new deficit spending over the coming decade, while setting the stage for extending the tax increases. It cannot stand. To learn more about this, watch this video of highlights from our press conference yesterday:

Bottom line: Spending is still too high. The credibility of politicians who promised an end to tax-and-spend habits and gimmickry is on the line. Additional reductions must be made, and they must be made now.

Call your state legislator today, and let them know what you think about unchecked spending growth.

Kristina Rasmussen
Executive Vice President
Illinois Policy Institute
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A Spending Increase in Springfield‏”


Chicago Teachers Losing Their Raises

-By Warner Todd Huston

As the Daley years wound down, Chicago’s public schools teachers were handed an automatic 4 percent raise across the board that was supposed to take effect next year. However, that largess from the taxpayers has just been rescinded by a unanimous vote of the Chicago Public Schools board.

Citing the $712 million budget deficit, the CPS announced that the automatic, meritless raise was simply unjustifiable.

In a statement, schools chief Jean-Claude Brizard said, “I have the utmost respect and admiration for teachers and all that they do for our children. But today’s board action was taken in response to the massive financial crisis facing our system. My team is now tasked with developing a balanced budget and presenting it to the Board and the public in August and our promise remains to minimize any impacts on the classroom and our kids.”
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Chicago Teachers Losing Their Raises”


Illinois So Broke They Want to Sell Ads on License Plates

-By Warner Todd Huston

You know things are bad when governments start selling things they “own.” The latest is the state of Illinois so over spent and in a budgetary hole that authorities are floating the idea of selling advertising space on its auto license plates.

The Democrat led general assembly has given the Secretary of State’s office a directive to begin researching the pros and cons of “corporate plates,” or sponsors for license plates (SB1360). The hope is that more money will be brought into the treasury and, perhaps, the state won’t have to raise taxes… as much.
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Illinois So Broke They Want to Sell Ads on License Plates”


Right Nation 2011 Chosen as Location for Black Conservative Summit

WINFIELD, IL – URF announced today that Right Nation 2011, taking place November 3-5, will be the location for the first annual Black Conservative Summit (BCS) hosted by Freedom’s Journal Magazine.

“We’re honored the BCS has chosen Right Nation 2011 as a location to showcase the diversity of conservatism throughout the Midwest. We’re delighted that Dr. Eric Wallace and a team of highly-respected black conservative leaders, along with Freedom’s Journal Magazine, have agreed to be an integral part of this year’s event,” said Dennis LaComb, URF Executive Director. “Their participation will add depth and breadth to this year’s gathering, and will showcase the richness of the conservative movement.”

Freedom’s Journal Magazine is the sponsor of the Black Conservative Summit (BCS). The purpose of the summit is to aggregate and engender Black conservative voices on issues facing America and the Black community, and to proffer solutions that positively impact the country’s future.

Several Black conservative leaders have already confirmed their participation, including national columnist Star Parker, radio show host Armstrong Williams, Rev. Wayne Perryman, and Raynard Jackson.
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Right Nation 2011 Chosen as Location for Black Conservative Summit”


Illinois Congressmen Help Tip in Big Labor Amendment

-By Warner Todd Huston

On Monday I alerted you all to a jobs-killing, union-favoring amendment being considered in the House of Representatives in Washington, one that needed to be defeated. Unfortunately, the amendment was successful and now, in this dour economy, unions will be able to make matters worse just when we need a shot in the arm. (See previous post for particulars of the bill.)

Sadly, we lost this battle by one stinking vote and this example shows that even though we may have a GOP controlled House of Reps. they still don’t always support conservative measures — and they need to be carefully watched! Those supporting this jobs-killing amendment numbered 204 and those voting in favor of economic success only numbered 203. (25 representatives did not vote at all)

Now, seeing as how I am from Illinois — the most corrupt state in the union — I focused in my previous post on those of the Illinois Republican delegation that had in the past supported Big Labor bills similar to the one in question. So, this is a follow up to that report.
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Illinois Congressmen Help Tip in Big Labor Amendment”


Bambenek Announces for 52nd District Ill. State Senate

On Wednesday, 6/15/11, I will be announcing my run for the Republican nomination for the State Senate for the 52nd District currently held by Democrat Mike Frerichs. After having spoken with many of you and others around the district and state, I have been honored and humbled by the outpouring of support. Together, I know we can bring this seat back home to the Republican Party.

It goes without saying the level of harm that years of Democratic Party governing have caused this state. Many companies have left Illinois to never return, crushing tax increases, billions of unpaid bills, and the list goes on. The only way this changes is by changing the people in Springfield. The good news is, the 52nd State Senate district is one seat where we can replace a tax-and-spend Democrat with a conservative fiscal watchdog.

This race will be difficult, make no mistake. Several Republican groups have listed this as a Tier 1 target and you can bet the Democrats will defend it with everything they have. I am up to the challenge, but I will need your help. Here are a few things you can do to help now:
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Bambenek Announces for 52nd District Ill. State Senate”


Urge Congress to Vote ‘NO’ On Striking $$ Saving Section From Federal Construction Projects Bill (Illinois Especially)

-By Warner Todd Huston

Today there may be a vote on striking a section of H.R. 2055 that will insure that federal construction projects for the military are fairly priced and will save money for the taxpayers. Some representatives want this advantageous section struck out and replaced with a union-favoring provision that will cost the tax payers millions and will cause even more job loss in an already failing economy.

The bill is the Military Construction (MilCon) and Veterans Affairs (VA) and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2012 (H.R. 2055). The section the Democrats want to eliminate is section 415.

Section 415 removes the requirement for companies bidding for federal construction projects for the military to sign anti-competitive project labor agreements (PLAs) that will force these companies to pay union dues, union benefits and adhere to union rules regardless if the companies themselves are staffed by union members of not.
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Urge Congress to Vote ‘NO’ On Striking $$ Saving Section From Federal Construction Projects Bill (Illinois Especially)”


Quinn’s Tax Hikes Chasing Away Chicago Merc?

-By Warner Todd Huston

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and his profligate Democrat Party cohorts have been racking up the loss of one business after another since they decided to wildly raise the state’s taxes. Quinn’s and the Democrat’s next target seems to be the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, an ongoing Chicago tradition since 1898.

Chicago has the third highest corporate tax rate in the country and CME’s Chairman, Terence Duffy, and its Chief Financial Officer, James Parisi, say it is a burden with which they don’t think they need to contend.
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Quinn’s Tax Hikes Chasing Away Chicago Merc?”


Rep. Adam Kinzinger Will Talk Jobs in the Weekly Republican Address

From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R, ILL)…

Washington, D.C. – House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) today announced that job creation will be the focus when Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) delivers the Weekly Republican Address on Saturday, June 11. The news that our economy still isn’t creating enough jobs has raised new questions about Washington Democrats’ ‘stimulus’ policies. Republicans recently unveiled “A Plan for America’s Job Creators,” a blueprint that builds on the Pledge to America with measures designed to remove government obstacles to private-sector job growth – the kind of growth that the ‘stimulus’ promised but failed to deliver. These will be among the topics discussed in the weekly address.

“I’m humbled to have an opportunity to address our nation about the future of job creation, which is on the minds of folks throughout Illinois’ Eleventh Congressional District and across the country,” Rep. Kinzinger said. “In Illinois, businesses are sapped with more taxes and increased government regulations that directly impact them, creating greater consumer uncertainty, which translates to less confidence in the markets. At a recent town hall meeting, I spoke with constituents and job creators who are fed up with the doubt and distrust over our economy. In order to refuel economic growth, we must eliminate out-of-control spending and end unnecessary regulations and skyrocketing taxes on job creators.”

Adam Kinzinger, a pilot in the Air National Guard, represents the people of Illinois’ Eleventh Congressional District. Kinzinger serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee as well as a Deputy Republican Whip. Kinzinger remains active in the military with the rank of captain and has earned the Air Medal six times serving in Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
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Rep. Adam Kinzinger Will Talk Jobs in the Weekly Republican Address”


Bloomington Pantagraph Editorial: Kinzinger Strikes Blow for Curbing Defense‏

From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R, ILL)…

From the Bloomington Pantagraph

Kinzinger strikes blow for curbing defense

Adam Kinzinger was able to combine his insight as a military pilot with his relatively new role as a congressman to gain House approval of a proposal that would save taxpayers about $100 million over the next seven years.
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Bloomington Pantagraph Editorial: Kinzinger Strikes Blow for Curbing Defense‏”


Kinzinger: Washington Must Get Serious About Reducing Spending and Growing our Economy‏

From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R, ILL)…

Kinzinger: Washington must get serious about reducing spending and growing our economy

On 6/3, Congressman Adam Kinzinger joined Neil Cavuto on Fox Business to discuss the Freshman meeting with Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner on the debt ceiling.

http://kinzinger.house.gov/


Emanuel’s First Test: Gang Mob Attacks Continue in Chicago After Memorial Beach Closing

Chicagoans flocked to North Avenue Beach last Monday for Memorial Day, only to have their holiday fun spoiled when Chicago police closed the beach. For the first time in Chicago’s history, North Avenue Beach, where residents go to cool off, was closed due to excessive heat according to Police Superintendent Tom McCarthy. McCarthy was backed up by newly elected Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who claimed there was a surge in calls due to heat exhaustion, and the reason for the closing was to give ambulances and paramedics easier access to treat those in need.

Fox Chicago News lightly covered reasons for the beach closing other than heat, which were missing from other local news outlets, CBS and ABC. Fox reported an unusually high presence of Chicago street gangs…

Read the rest at RebelPundit.com.


Roskam on Job Creation‏

from the office of Congressman Peter Roskam (R, IL)…

House Republicans sent a clear to message to the White House last week: Washington must stop spending money it doesn’t have.

House Republicans were unified against increasing the country’s borrowing limit without meaningful spending cuts and reforms, and 82 Democrats joined Republicans in voting against it. This White House has added $3.5 trillion in debt over just two years, so Americans simply don’t support giving them a blank check to keep on spending.

The continued borrow-and-spend madness hasn’t helped create jobs either. Just this past Friday, the national unemployment rate rose to 9.1%, a full 27 months after the “stimulus” passed.
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Roskam on Job Creation‏”


Assistance from a Grateful Nation

From Operation Homefront…

Watch this Brief Video — Help Us Support Illinois Military Families

Each year, thousands of Illinoisans bid goodbye to their families, friends and loved ones to deploy all over the world and defend our country.

These are the brave men and women of our Armed Forces.

But what about their families? What about the husbands, wives and children who are left behind?
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Assistance from a Grateful Nation”


Republican State Rep. Mark Beaubien Dies

SPRINGFIELD — Illinois Rep. Mark Beaubien Jr., a Republican lawmaker since 1996 and the former head of a family banking business, died unexpectedly Sunday afternoon.
Beaubien, 68, of Barrington Hills was at a Republican fundraising event at Arlington Park race track with family, friends and colleagues when he died.

“I am deeply saddened by the death of my close friend and colleague, Rep. Mark Beaubien,” said House Republican leader Tom Cross of Oswego. “My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Dee, his children, grandchildren and many friends around the state…

Read the Rest at the Chicago Tribune.


Roskam to White House: ‘Simply Hope For a Change is Not an Economic Policy’

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (R, ILL)…

Roskam: “The White House has to realize… simply hope for a change is not an economic policy.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Peter Roskam, Chief Deputy Whip, spoke at the House Republican Leadership press conference following the release of the May Jobs Report, which showed the unemployment rate rose to 9.1% after only 54,000 jobs were created last month:

Roskam Remarks:
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Roskam to White House: ‘Simply Hope For a Change is Not an Economic Policy’”


Cook County Commissioner Summer Fun Update

From the office of Cook County Commissioner Timothy O. Schneider

Fishing Fun

Cook County Commissioner Timothy O. Schneider’s Fishing Derby

Sunday June 12, 2011 from 9am – Noon at Busse Woods Grove 25

Celebrate a summer day fishing at Busse Woods, a Cook County forest preserve, with some of your friends and family. Bring your fishing gear and fish for fantastic prizes! No fishing license needed during Illinois Free Fishing days!
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Cook County Commissioner Summer Fun Update”


New Civil Unions Law Already Infringing on Religious Freedom

From Lake County Right to Life…

(Grayslake, IL – June 2, 2011) Illinois’ Civil Unions law went into effect June 1, and even State Sen. David Koehler, sponsor of the bill in the senate, is frustrated with its repercussions to religious freedom. Koehler made it clear that the law, ironically named “The Religious Freedom Protection Act and Civil Union Act,” was intended to protect the rights of social service organizations, including adoption agencies, to carry out their duties according to their faith.

But months ago, activists began challenging the ability of religious childcare agencies to prohibit the placement of children with same-sex couples, so Sen. Koehler proposed a religious exemption amendment to protect the rights of these agencies. Despite lobbying by Catholic Charities and other organizations, the amendment was defeated in the Senate Executive Committee.
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New Civil Unions Law Already Infringing on Religious Freedom”


Ill. Budget Cuts: Not Far Enough‏

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

The General Assembly has adjourned for the summer. A budget was passed that contained real cuts, but it was still too big. Significant school reform sits on the governor’s desk. Illinois government will be more transparent. And yet so much more remains to be done.

Here are the highlights of the spring 2011 legislative session in Illinois. Over the next few weeks, we will roll out a thorough analysis of all the legislative items, large and small, that were on the Institute’s watch list this year. Stay tuned.

Thank you,

Collin Hitt
Senior Director of Government Affairs
Illinois Policy Institute

We Don’t Want It; You Can’t Afford It
The Institute’s open letter to Congress implores lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to just say NO to any federal bailouts of spendthrift states. Voters in Arkansas, Florida, Nevada, Maine, Colorado and elsewhere shouldn’t be forced to pony up for Illinois’s self-made mess.
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Ill. Budget Cuts: Not Far Enough‏”


Holding the Line on Spending, Driving Cuts

From the office of Illinois GOP House Minority Leader Tom Cross…

As we wrapped up the regular spring legislative session this week, Illinois House Republicans drove the General Assembly to a balanced budget by only allowing the Governor to spend money that we estimate we will receive in revenues next year. That number is $33.2 billion—any dime we receive above that number will go to pay down our backlog of bills.

Our spending level is $2 billion less than what Governor Quinn wanted to spend and $1 billion less than what the Illinois Senate originally wanted to spend.

In fact, in a last ditch effort to spend more money, the Illinois Senate sent us legislation that would have tacked on more than $400 million. We rejected that.
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Holding the Line on Spending, Driving Cuts”