House+of+Representatives

Budget - Business - Congress - Conservatives - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - NLRB - Peter Roskam - President - Regulation - Republicans - Taxes - Unions - Warner Todd Huston

Roskam Applauds House Passage of NLRB Legislation

September 15, 2011 by

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (Ill 6th District)…

WASHINGTON – Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06), Chief Deputy Whip, issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 2587, the Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act, a bill restricting the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) from ordering any employer to close, relocate, or transfer employment. The NLRB sued Boeing and told them they could not open a new plant in South Carolina, a right-to-work state, saying Boeing’s actions were an act of retaliation against unions. The House passed the bill 238-186.

“I applaud the House for taking action to free a Chicago-based business blocked by unelected Washington bureaucrats from simply creating more American jobs. The NLRB’s declaration and lawsuit was an unprecedented regulatory overreach – made worse since Boeing had already invested over $1 billion in their new South Carolina plant. Washington has no place telling American companies where they can and cannot create American jobs. The disappointing reality is that the NLRB’s cheap political trick has real consequences on local economies and families. Not only is South Carolina’s economy affected by the thousands of new good-paying jobs being stalled, but Boeing devoting resources to fighting this regulation means there’s less to invest in other parts of their business, a company with employees in all 50 states.

“Today’s vote is just the latest solution from House Republicans to help grow our economy and remove the government barriers to job creation. With roughly a dozen House-passed bills stalled in the Senate, it’s long past time the Senate joined us to make real solutions the law.”

http://roskam.house.gov/

Barack Obama - Budget - Business - Congress - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Jobs - Liberals - Peter Roskam - President - Republicans - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

VIDEO: Roskam Discusses Obama Jobs Proposal on CNBC

September 15, 2011 by

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (Ill 6th District)…

Roskam: “… the President created an urgency in his speech saying ‘pass this now,’ but it’s important to recognize that the White House can change the dynamic on regulations immediately.”

Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL), Chief Deputy Whip, appeared on CNBC’s Kudlow Report last evening to discuss the President’s new spending proposal.

On Reducing Regulations Now to Help the Economy:

“… the President created an urgency in his speech saying ‘pass this now,’ but it’s important to recognize that the White House can change the dynamic on regulations immediately.”
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VIDEO: Roskam Discusses Obama Jobs Proposal on CNBC”

Budget - Congress - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Peter Roskam - Republicans - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Roskam Urges Americans to Speak Out About a Balanced Budget Amendment

September 14, 2011 by

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (Ill. 6th District)…

WASHINGTON – Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06), Chief Deputy Whip, issued the following statement today urging Americans to use the America Speaking Out (ASO) initiative to express their opinion about a balanced budget amendment (BBA) to the U.S. Constitution:

“With over $14 trillion in debt, continued 9-plus percent unemployment and a liberal Washington orthodoxy that demands continuously higher borrowing and spending, the American economy is on the verge of drowning in red ink. House Republicans have been speaking out for months about the need for a balanced budget amendment, legally binding Washington to produce annual budgets that spend no more than the government takes in. Now, through America Speaking Out, an innovative platform we first launched last year, I urge Americans to join the conversation, speak out, and tell us their views on a balanced budget amendment.
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Roskam Urges Americans to Speak Out About a Balanced Budget Amendment”

Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - Illinois - Jobs - Mark Kirk - Randy Hultgren - Republicans - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Kirk, Lipinski, Hultgren Call for Extension of Surface Transportation Legislation

September 13, 2011 by

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (14th District)…

Longer-term bipartisan bill could mobilize $100 billion in new public-private partnerships

Chicago, IL – In a show of bipartisan, bi-cameral unity United States Senator Mark Kirk, Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3), and Congressman Randy Hultgren (IL-14) joined representatives from the Illinois Road Builders Association, Operating Engineers Local 150 and other transportation advocates in calling for Congress to extend the expiring Surface Transportation Act. This legislation authorizes federal transportation projects across the nation, and allows the collection of revenues that fund infrastructure improvements. It was introduced in the House late Friday that would extend aviation programs through January and highway and transit programs through March. If Congress does not adopt this act by September 30th, federal reimbursement of highway and transit projects will stop, with $100 million in funding lost each day.

“Congress should quickly approve this extension legislation to avoid a shutdown of the Highway Trust Fund,” said Kirk. “We also support a longer-term solution by lifting federal barriers that could mobilize up to $100 billion for transportation private-public partnerships.”
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Kirk, Lipinski, Hultgren Call for Extension of Surface Transportation Legislation”

Bobby Schilling - Budget - Business - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Jobs - Republicans - Warner Todd Huston

Schilling appointed to House Small Business Committee

September 12, 2011 by

From Congressman Bobby Schilling’s (IL-17) office…

House Small Business Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO) today announced that Rep. Bobby Schilling (R-IL) will join the House Small Business Committee in the 112th Congress. Congressman Schilling will be the 15th Republican Member on the Committee.

“As a small business owner, Congressman Schilling knows how government policies can help or harm job creation and entrepreneurship,” said Chairman Graves. “His commitment to creating jobs and helping other small companies thrive will make him a forceful advocate in Washington for small business owners and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Schilling and his family own and operate Saint Giuseppe’s Heavenly Pizzeria in Moline, Illinois. His experience as a small business owner shapes his understanding of government and its purpose. Members of the House Small Business Committee will play an integral role in shaping key policies that will help encourage new hiring and promote entrepreneurship in America.
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Schilling appointed to House Small Business Committee”

9/11 - Adam Kinzinger - Congress - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Republicans - Warner Todd Huston

Kinzinger, House Freshmen Who Have Served & Veterans, Pay Tribute to 9/11

September 11, 2011 by

From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (11th District)…

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-11) and twenty-one of his freshmen colleagues, who are veterans or have served in the military, released a video in honor and remembrance of the lives that were lost and the brave Americans who displayed heroic efforts on September 11th.

Kinzinger, a captain in the Air National Guard, issued the following statement as we approach the anniversary of September 11th:

“On September 11th and the days immediately following this tragedy, there were no Democrats or Republicans – we were Americans.

“Throughout my tours overseas, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with our men and women who are committed to fighting for the security of our nation and peace in the Middle East. Today, Americans stand proudly united as we pay tribute to our courageous men and women in uniform who continue to work tirelessly to eliminate acts of pure hatred and protect our country. Their sacrifice is the reason for our liberty.

“As we take time to reflect on the events that took place ten years ago, let us always remember that we live in the greatest country in the world, and we will never settle for anything less.”

NOTE: The following is a list of the twenty-two freshmen who appear in the video: Reps. Adam Kinzinger, Allen West, Andy Harris, Bill Johnson, Chip Cravaack, Chris Gibson, Jeff Denham, Jeff Landry, Joe Heck, Larry Bucshon, Michael Grimm, Mike Pompeo, Richard Nugent, Rick Crawford, Sandy Adams, Scott Rigell, Steve Pearce, Steve Stivers, Steve Womack, Steven Palazzo, Tim Griffin, and Todd Young.

http://kinzinger.house.gov/

9/11 - Illinois - Randy Hultgren - Warner Todd Huston

Hultgren Statement On the 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 Attacks

September 11, 2011 by

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (14th District)…

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released the following statement on the 10th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

“My thoughts and prayers go out to all those who felt the tragic loss of a family member, friend or loved one in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001,” said Hultgren. “Let us also remember the many heroes from that day, first responders, members of the military, and ordinary citizens who answered the call of duty without hesitation. I encourage all Americans to take a moment to reflect on that fateful day – remember where you were and the feelings that you experienced when you learned of the attacks and pledge to never take our safety, security, or freedom for granted.”

http://hultgren.house.gov/

Barack Obama - Budget - Business - Congress - Conservatives - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Jobs - Liberals - President - Randy Hultgren - Republicans - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Hultgren Statement On President Obama’s Address To Congress

September 10, 2011 by

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (14th District)…

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) tonight released the following statement regarding President Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress.

Tonight, I attended President Obama’s address to Congress because, although I expected partisan rhetoric but little in the way of new ideas, I felt that it was my constitutional responsibility to do so. Unfortunately, despite his premise of bipartisanship, the President’s prescriptions for our economy were political and wholly inadequate. Once again he urged more scattershot ‘stimulus’ spending, at a time when we should be husbanding our constituents’ hard-earned tax dollars and ensuring that they are spent as wisely as possible.

I agree with President Obama that investing in our nation’s infrastructure is needed and will create jobs. But we cannot do so blindly. We must ensure that our investments are targeted and timely, and we must work hard to cut red tape and limit the permitting delays that currently plague our investments in infrastructure improvement.

While I also believe that tax reform is long overdue, I was disappointed to hear him resurrect his calls on increasing taxes. It is absolutely the wrong time to be raising taxes on Americans that Main Street often calls small business owners, entrepreneurs, or job creators.
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Hultgren Statement On President Obama’s Address To Congress”

Barack Obama - Budget - Business - Congress - Conservatives - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Jobs - Liberals - Randy Hultgren - Republicans - Senate - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Hultgren Statement On President Obama’s Address To Congress

September 9, 2011 by

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (14th District)…

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) tonight released the following statement regarding President Barack Obama’s address to a joint session of Congress.

“Tonight, I attended President Obama’s address to Congress because, although I expected partisan rhetoric but little in the way of new ideas, I felt that it was my constitutional responsibility to do so,” said Hultgren. “Unfortunately, despite his premise of bipartisanship, the President’s prescriptions for our economy were political and wholly inadequate. Once again he urged more scattershot ‘stimulus’ spending, at a time when we should be husbanding our constituents’ hard-earned tax dollars and ensuring that they are spent as wisely as possible.

“I agree with President Obama that investing in our nation’s infrastructure is needed and will create jobs. But we cannot do so blindly. We must ensure that our investments are targeted and timely, and we must work hard to cut red tape and limit the permitting delays that currently plague our investments in infrastructure improvement.
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Hultgren Statement On President Obama’s Address To Congress”

Budget - Business - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Jobs - Liberals - President - Randy Hultgren - Republicans - Taxes - Unemployment - Warner Todd Huston

Hultgren Statement on August Jobs Report

September 3, 2011 by

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (Ill. 14th District)…

Geneva, IL – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released the following statement regarding the August unemployment report released by the U.S. Department of Labor.

“August’s dismal jobs report is disappointing, but unsurprising, so long as this Administration continues to pursue its anti-jobs agenda of burdensome regulations, taxes, and out-of-control spending,” said Hultgren. “Despite his claims to be cutting red tape, the reality is that President Obama and his appointed bureaucrats are proposing even more regulations that threaten to do enormous damage to our fragile economy.”

“Before he comes to Congress next week, I urge President Obama to study the commonsense pro-growth agenda Republicans will be adopting this fall. More taxes and spending won’t get our economy moving and put Americans back to work; that requires fostering a pro-growth economic climate; lessening intrusions by unaccountable bureaucrats; and providing certainty about what Washington will do in the future.”

http://hultgren.house.gov/

Budget - Business - Capitalism - Chicago - Congress - Conservatives - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Elections - EPA - Free Trade - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Jobs - Liberals - Peter Roskam - Policy - President - Regulation - Republicans - Senate - Taxes - Tea Party - Warner Todd Huston

Rep. Peter Roskam Starts Ball Rolling On Regulation Scale Back

September 1, 2011 by 2 Comments

-By Warner Todd Huston

I spent most of the day on Aug 30 sort of embeded with Congressman Peter Roskam, Republican of the Illinois 6th District and Chief Deputy Whip in Washington, as he toured his district talking to local businesses. The whirlwind tour of businesses in Roskam’s district — topped with a presser in downtown Chicago — was the precursor of Roskam’s next focus. Roskam wants to begin an assessment of the regulatory edifice in Washington D.C. with any eye toward making Washington more business friendly in this moribund, recessionary economy.

My chauffeur was Roskam communication director, the genial Dan Conston. He told me he was born and bred in Philly, but I assured him that I would not hold that against him. No matter that he is an Eagles fan, he knew his way around the area. Still I promised not to tattle on his driving… but I guess even saying that much is saying something!

Our first stop was Federal Signal Corporation located in Oak Brook. The folks at Federal Signal told Congressman Roskam that they were worried that new EPA rules on the engines they use in their street sweeper machines were threatening to shut down production lines and put workers out of work. And not just for them but the engines of similar styles in every industry that uses them are facing the same jobs-killing requirements.

The problem was all the “uncertainty” which is casting a pall over what Fed Sig’s Dennis Martin, President and CEO, was happy to say is a recent uptick in orders for their machines. Orders have been down for years, said Martin, but now older street sweepers are not only wearing out but are themselves long out of compliance with new EPA rules and new orders are now rolling in.
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Rep. Peter Roskam Starts Ball Rolling On Regulation Scale Back”

2nd Amendment - Anti-Americanism - Chicago - Constitution - Crime - Democrats/Leftists - Freedom - Government - Guns - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Law - Liberals - Liberty - Property Rights - Randy Hultgren - Warner Todd Huston

Hultgren, Illinois Representatives, Call On Illinois Legislature To Enact Concealed-Carry Legislation

August 31, 2011 by

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (Ill. 14th)…

Geneva, IL – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released the following statement regarding a letter he recently sent to Illinois leaders, including Governor Quinn, Attorney General Madigan, and legislative leaders from both parties, calling on them to join every other state in the nation and enact concealed-carry legislation.

“I was dismayed to learn that Illinois is now the only state in the nation that does not recognize its citizens’ Second Amendment right to concealed carry,” said Rep. Hultgren. “The Supreme Court has twice affirmed self-defense as a fundamental right in recent years, and it past time that Illinoisans enjoy that right as every other American does. I hope Governor Quinn and the legislature will pass concealed carry legislation in a timely manner so that Illinoisans can enjoy the legal right to protect themselves.”

In the letter, Hultgren detailed recent Supreme Court decisions from The District of Columbia v. Heller (2008) and McDonald v. Chicago (2010). In the case from 2008, the Supreme Court ruled that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual’s right to possess a firearm. In the second case, from 2010, they ruled that the Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms for self defense in one’s home is fully applicable to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment.
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Hultgren, Illinois Representatives, Call On Illinois Legislature To Enact Concealed-Carry Legislation”

Anti-Americanism - Congress - GOP - Government, Ill. County - House of Representatives - Illinois - Randy Hultgren - Republicans - Warner Todd Huston

Rep. Randy Hultgren News: The Hultgren Huddle

August 29, 2011 by

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (ILL, 14th District)…

It’s been a great month so far back in the 14th District. I’d like to thank everyone for coming out to my town hall meetings this month. We may not agree on all of the issues, but it means so much to me that you are willing to be engaged in the process and have your opinions heard on the issues most important to you.

Please remember that I am holding another town hall meeting on Monday, August 29, in the Yorkville City Council Chambers at 6:00pm. Hope to see you there.

I’ve always said that some of my most important work is done back home in Illinois, and that’s absolutely been the case this August. While I’ve been home, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with hundreds of constituents through one-on-one meetings, speeches to different groups and organizations, and local business tours.
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Rep. Randy Hultgren News: The Hultgren Huddle”

Congress - Conservatives - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Randy Hultgren - Republicans - Warner Todd Huston

Hultgren Releases New iPhone Application

August 26, 2011 by

From the office of Rep. Randy Hultgren (Ill, 14th)…

Geneva, IL – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today announced the release of an official mobile application for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

The Hultgren app streamlines information about the congressman into one place, and provides constituents with a new way of interacting with Rep. Hultgren, including the ability to call his offices from directly within the app.

Constituents can find in real time Rep. Hultgren’s position on current issues, and can easily access his contact information, press releases, past copies of the “Hultgren Huddle” E-Newsletter, Twitter page, Facebook page, videos and photos from their phones. They can also participate in constituent surveys and sign up to receive his E-Newsletter.
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Hultgren Releases New iPhone Application”

Adam Kinzinger - Congress - Foreign Countries - GOP - Government - Illinois - Libya - Military - Republicans - Warner Todd Huston

Kinzinger Statement on the End of the Qadaffi Regime

August 24, 2011 by

From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (Ill., 11th Dist)…

Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-11) issued the following statement regarding the end of the Qadaffi regime in Libya:

“This week, we witnessed the end to the Qadaffi regime, which marks a major victory for the people of Libya and another step forward toward our ultimate goal of achieving freedom and peace throughout the Middle East.

“Nonetheless, the people of Libya, Americans, British, French, and our Arab partners stand proudly united as we recognize the hard work, commitment and sacrifice of our militaries. The Libyan people fought tirelessly for their liberty, and prevailed.

“With this achievement, comes the continued responsibility of the United States to provide additional support and vigilance to Libya to rebuild this nation, founded upon democracy; and to take preventative action against any future retribution.”

http://kinzinger.house.gov/.

Budget - Business - Conservatives - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Jobs - Liberals - Republicans - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Mr. President, Where Are The Jobs?

August 4, 2011 by

House Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (CA-22) released the following video : “Mr. President, Where are the Jobs?” There have been a lot of nice speeches about jobs. Now it’s time for speeches to stop and actions to begin. The President said it would be the “Recovery Summer” last year, but when you look at entrepreneurship over the last twelve months it’s been the lowest in a decade. It’s time to read the data, stop the speeches, and take action that creates jobs, empowers entrepreneurs and gets this country working again. Now is a time for action, not political posturing.

Budget - Business - Climate Change - Congress - Constitution - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Energy - Environment - EPA - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Liberals - Nanny State - Republicans - Warner Todd Huston

Nanny State Wins: Light Bulb Ban Repeal Fails in House

July 18, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

If the House Republicans can’t even get rid of one of the most odious examples of nanny statism in the age of Obama, what exactly are they worth? On Tuesday, Rep. Joe Barton (R, Texas) failed in his effort to repeal the incandescent light bulb ban idiotically signed into law by Nanny G.W. Bush.

Barton failed with his The Better Use of Light Bulbs (BULB) Act (HR 2417)on a 233-193 vote. A two-thirds majority was needed for passage.

Only five Democrats crossed ideological lines to vote in favor of the bill to repeal the idiotic light bulb ban. Worse, ten Republicans joined the Democrats.
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Nanny State Wins: Light Bulb Ban Repeal Fails in House”

Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Republicans - Taxes - Tom Cross - Warner Todd Huston

No Hiccups in State’s Construction Plan‏

June 24, 2011 by

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.

Budget - Democrats/Leftists - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Republicans - Taxes - Tom Cross - Warner Todd Huston

Holding the Line on Spending, Driving Cuts

June 3, 2011 by

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”

Democrats/Leftists - Elections - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Redistricting - Republicans - Tom Cross - Transparency - Warner Todd Huston

Bait-and-Switch: Democrats Unveil New Map

May 31, 2011 by

From the office of Ill. GOP Minority House Leader Tom Cross…

Dems Deny Vote on Fair Map Proposal; Shun Public Input in Favor of Partisan Map

In a stunning reversal of their oft-repeated pledge to lead an open and transparent redistricting process, House and Senate Democrats introduced a brand new partisan legislative map late yesterday which was different from the one publicly released last week. This bait-and-switch follows weeks of public hearings held throughout the state to obtain local citizen input on how Illinois’ new map should be drawn; a mere days after three public forums held within the past week on the original publicly-released map.

So much for transparency.
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Bait-and-Switch: Democrats Unveil New Map”

Democrats/Leftists - Elections - Government - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Tom Cross - Warner Todd Huston

Illinois Redistricting Update‏

May 24, 2011 by

Tom Cross, Illinois GOP Minority Leader…

Democrats in both the House and Senate released legislative redistricting maps last week. In the House, Democrats waited to release their map until late Friday afternoon giving the public practically no time to review it before a planned Sunday hearing in Chicago. If you wanted an explanation you had to ask for it in writing. Democrats promised an open and transparent process – this isn’t it.

Despite claims from House Democrats that their map is fair and competitive, a number of Latino organizations have stated at hearings and in news reports that their population is under-represented. Since the last map was drawn in 2001, the Latino population grew the most in the last ten years in Illinois.
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Illinois Redistricting Update‏”

Budget - Conservatives - Economy/Finances - Elections - GOP - Government - Health - Medicaid - Medicare - Newt Gingrich - Paul Ryan - President - Republicans - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Newt’s Tuesday Blogger Conference Call

May 17, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

I just finished with a blogger conference call held by Speaker Gingrich in which he tried to further explain where he stands on Paul Ryan, the budget, and Obamacare.

Newt has have been characterized as “trashing Paul Ryan,” and Ryan himself took a swipe at him on a Chicago radio show (Ryan said something like, “with conservative like him who needs enemies?”), and of course many see his purported attack on Ryan as a violation of Reagan’s famed 11th Commandment. So Newt has a lot to answer for, for sure.

He’s badly confused the situation and some are calling for him to drop out and give it all up. Even Rush Limbaugh is claiming that Newt knows he can’t win the nomination and this whole thing is just an effort at positioning himself for other things in the future. (Rush says Newt might just be angling for a position at the Aspen Institute)
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Newt’s Tuesday Blogger Conference Call”

Budget - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Republicans - Taxes - Tom Cross - Warner Todd Huston

Ill. House GOP Leader Cross: House Passes State Budget, Drives Down Spending‏

May 17, 2011 by

From the office of Illinois GOP House leader Tom Cross…

For years, House Republicans have driven the discussion on the need for fiscal discipline and to stop spending money we don’t have. Today we took a dramatic step forward passing the first budget in years that actually forces the state to live within its means; and actually spends less than we did the year before. We are pleased that our friends across the aisle joined us in this fiscal discipline.

See the video HERE.

It is never easy to make cuts, but the budgets we passed this week will keep our promise to spend no more than our revenue estimate of $33.2 billion. This is the only way we’re ever going to get our bills paid and get our state finances back on track.
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Ill. House GOP Leader Cross: House Passes State Budget, Drives Down Spending‏”

Budget - Congress - Conservatives - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Liberals - Paul Ryan - President - Republicans - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston - Washington D.C. - Wisconsin

Left Laments Ryan’s GOP Budget NOT Raising America’s Ire

April 23, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

The left is desperate to color Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan’s GOP budget plan (The Path to Prosperity, as it is styled) as the end of America, crazed to call his plan a killer of old people, and maniacal about saying that the GOP and Ryan want to destroy the country by asking for a few budget cuts. The left even claims that “the country” or “the people” are against the GOP budget proposal. But even lefty blogger Dave Weigel is asking the seminal question: where are the protests?

Now, there does seem to be enough evidence that the people are not very optimistic about America’s economic outlook. And members of Congress are certainly feeling the heat over the budget. I recently spoke to GOP Chief Deputy Whip Rep. Peter Roskam and he confirms that. So, the American people are exercised about the budget. They just aren’t mad about the Ryan plan.

The fact seems to be that the Democrat’s are losing the issue and all their demagoguery against Ryan — led by the chief demagogue in the White House — are not winning the American people over to their side by trying to make Paul Ryan out to be an ogre.
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Left Laments Ryan’s GOP Budget NOT Raising America’s Ire”

Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Republicans - Taxes - Tom Cross - Warner Todd Huston

Tax Freedom Day – Action Alert‏

April 16, 2011 by

From the office of GOP Minority Leader Tom Cross…

Congratulations! Today is the first day of 2011 that earnings you make can start going towards meeting the needs of you and your family. That’s right – we’ve worked the first 105 days of the year just to pay our federal, state, and local tax obligations for the year, more than a quarter of the way through 2011.

In recognition of this sobering fact, today is Tax Freedom Day in Illinois; a reminder of just how much we must pay in taxes each year before our hard-earned dollars can finally start working for us.
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Tax Freedom Day – Action Alert‏”

Budget - Conservatives - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - Government, Ill. County - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Republicans - Taxes - Tom Cross - Warner Todd Huston

IL House Repubs: Pay Cuts, Murder Registry and More‏

April 9, 2011 by

From GOP House Minority Leader Tom Cross…

10 % Pay Cut for Lawmakers Clears House

House Republicans this week helped pass legislation requiring lawmakers to take a 10 percent pay cut in Fiscal Year 2012 – a $1.2 million savings for taxpayers, said House Republican Leader Tom Cross.

“We must lead by example. We have been pushing tirelessly for state government to live within its means—when looking at reductions in our budget, we must look at ourselves-first,” said Cross.

Illinois state representatives and senators receive the fifth highest paid salary in the country. Only California, New York, Pennsylvania and Michigan pay their legislators more than Illinois. The current annual salary for an Illinois legislator is $67,836; if HB 2891 becomes law, the annual salary will be $61,052.
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IL House Repubs: Pay Cuts, Murder Registry and More‏”

Budget - Conservatives - Democrats/Leftists - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Republicans - Taxes - Tom Cross - Warner Todd Huston

Ill GOP House News

March 31, 2011 by

From Ill. GOP House Leader Tom Cross…

Years of advocating for fiscally conservative and responsible budgeting by members of the House Republican caucus finally seems to be resonating with leading Democrats in the House. Wednesday, House Republican Leader Tom Cross testified alongside House Speaker Michael Madigan before the House Elementary and Secondary Appropriations and the General Services Appropriations Committees on legislation they are co-sponsoring that reinforces the concept that the state cannot spend more money than it takes in.

House Bill 3639, House Bill 3697, and House Bill 116 require the state to fully fund the public pension systems in FY12 and House Bill 117 which passed the Public Safety Committee, requires the state to allocate $2.137 billion to pay debt service on bonds.

Cross_Madigan_HB117 from Illinois House Republicans on Vimeo.

The House also passed on Wednesday a bi-partisan, House Resolution 158, which specifies that any revenue the state receives exceeding $33.2 billion, the estimate adopted in House Resolution 110, should be used to pay down bills. This estimate is $2 billion less than the Governor proposed spending in his FY12 budget plan.

Last week the House passed House Resolution 156 establishing the percentage of general revenue funds each appropriations committee would have available to work with as they develop their budgets.
The allocation is as follows:

  • Elementary and Secondary Education – 28.742%
  • General Services – 5.158%
  • Higher Education – 8.761%
  • Human Services – 50.631%
  • Public Safety – 6.978%

“This series of legislation is putting the legislature on the right path to passing a state budget that is balanced and does not exceed what we can afford – that helps ensure the tax increases passed in January will be temporary,” said Cross. “It also provides schools, human service providers and others with some certainty knowing how much money will be available as they prepare their own budgets. That is something they haven’t had for years with the Democrats’ lump sum budgets. It’s good to see our persistence is finally paying off and we are going to continue to hold the Democrats’ feet to the fire to reduce spending and balance the budget.”

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Restoring Fiscal Sanity, Putting Illinois Back to Work‏

March 22, 2011 by

From the office of Illinois Republican House Leader, Tom Cross…

As the legislative session continues in Springfield, I wanted to take a quick moment to update you on some of the key legislation introduced by House Republican members.

House Republicans are committed to restoring fiscal responsibility and ending the reckless spending in Springfield. We are fighting for meaningful spending caps, researching opportunities to cut spending and working to substantial reforms to save significant taxpayer dollars.

Listed below are some of the measures we are working on and I would like your thought on these so please let us know if you support or oppose these measures.

Repeal the Democrat Income Tax
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Restoring Fiscal Sanity, Putting Illinois Back to Work‏”