Cairo Association of Teachers - Newsletter

CAT Tracks for June , 2008 THAT SONOFAGUN...

I'm trying to be polite...

It figures...took my pension (after years of saying "never"), took a ride on Amtrak for the first time in a CAT's age, and took advantage of the senior discount (hey, being 62+ saved me $30). Then, along comes Hot Rod Blagojevich...to take it all away!

As an ex-Government teacher, I know Illinois has no recall of elected officials...but it's time for him/them to go! I mean...Cairo politics finally "went silent", but the Illinois Governor and General Assembly just won't quit!!!

Governor threatens massive cuts in budget

By Kurt Erickson, The Southern Springfield Bureau

SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Rod Blagojevich is threatening to slash services to veterans, train riders and senior citizens as part of his latest budget-balancing maneuver.

In the latest twist in the long battle between the governor and House Speaker Michael Madigan, Blagojevich said Tuesday he would cut about $1.5 billion from the spending plan approved by lawmakers May 31.

He says the state doesn't have enough money coming in to support the programs approved by lawmakers for the fiscal year that begins July 1.

The governor called on Madigan to bring House members back to Springfield in the next two weeks in order to approve two revenue generating proposals that have gained little traction in the House.

Few believe the governor's threats will prompt any rush by Madigan.

Republicans say they expect Democratic incumbents to try and ride U.S. Sen. Barack Obama's presidential coattails through the November election and then potentially try to force a tax increase.

"The voters better be careful because we might be in for one heck of a November surprise," said state Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon.

In outlining what he would reduce, the governor said he would save a half billion dollars by extending the time the state takes to pay hospitals and pharmacies for their services.

He also would eliminate an expansion of beds at the LaSalle Veteran's Home and would reduce money that would help seniors and the disabled pay for public transit services.

Blagojevich also would cut Amtrak service to much of downstate and reduce the number of workers at a handful of state agencies, including the Illinois Department of Corrections, where union officials are already saying there are major problems with under-staffing.

Blagojevich said all but about $500 million of the reductions could be avoided if the Illinois House goes along with his plans to borrow money from the state's pension systems and sweep dollars from funds that are set aside for special purposes.

Both revenue plans already have been approved in the Senate.

Madigan spokesman Steve Brown cast doubt on whether the pension borrowing plan and the fund sweeps would be acted upon this summer.

"There are substantial defects in the bills that would bring new revenue to the state. Until those defects are corrected, the votes won't be available to pass any of them," Brown said.

State Rep. Frank Mautino, D-Spring Valley, says he could vote for both concepts, but doubts lawmakers will be asked to because Republican votes are needed to approve the changes.

Republicans aren't likely to help Blagojevich and Madigan patch up their differences unless they get a chance to vote on a statewide construction program, Mautino said.

Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, said inaction by Madigan has "put funding for vital programs at risk."