Observations and comments about state government by State Representative Robert W. Pritchard.
March 3, 2014
In This Issue:
Another Bad Week for the Governor
House Adopts Revenue Estimate; Turns to Spending
Local Libraries Receive Grants
Regional Company Celebrates 88 Years
Recognition from Illinois Groups
DeKalb County Residents Help with Testimony
Ethics Law to Cover all County Board Appointments
Utility Helps with Heating Bill
National Security Affected by Education
Community Leader’s to Gather
Another Bad Week for the Governor
You may remember that I reported an Auditor General scathing review of the Central Management Services in my last newsletter. This past week the Auditor General issued another unfavorable audit– this time for the Violence Prevention Authority (IVPA) appointed by the Governor’s Office. The report was critical of the sloppy way of selecting participants, administering the $54 million program over two years, and failure to monitor expenses.
While the program was intended to reduce neighborhood violence, 9 of the most violent Chicago neighborhoods were not included, plans were hastily developed and changed, and financial controls were grossly inadequate. The program was patched together just months before the 2010 election and rather than rely upon an open request for proposals to reduce violence, relied upon recommendations from city aldermen.
In the audit, the IVPA could not explain how it selected communities for funding, where all the money was spent, or why agencies did not provide the staffing levels required in the contract. The IVPA did not try to recover unspent funds from the grant recipients, or provide the required assessment of the program’s effectiveness.
Senators and Representatives were livid with the audit results and urged the Illinois Auditor General to refer audit findings to the Executive Inspector General and U.S. Attorney for further investigation of potential criminal activity. Lawmakers further called for freezing any unexpended dollars – which could be as much as $31 million.
At a time when critical care services remain on the chopping block and education is underfunded, the Governor redirected limited state resources for Chicago, which was critical for his re-election. A report on the results of a four-month CNN investigation into the Neighborhood Recovery Initiative is available here.
House Adopts Revenue Estimate; Turns to Spending
The House unanimously approved HR 842 and HJR 80 last week with the estimated revenues for FY15 that I had predicted in my last newsletter. The expected $34.5 billion in taxes, fees, and other payments is about $1 billion less than appropriated last year and uses the lower income tax rates which go into effect next January.
You can hear my comments during debate here. As we examined revenue estimates we did not include nearly $627 million that could be collected by June 30. I hope this can be used to pay old bills rather than fund new programs.
The House Appropriation committees will now look at fixed costs and begin building the budget for FY15 with the remaining revenue. At this time, it appears fixed costs will increase about $1.3 billion next year. This estimate includes payments for pensions, group insurance, debt service, transfers to local units of government, Medicaid and old bills.
Based on these numbers, the Appropriation Committees will have $2.3 billion less to allocate for state programs, services and agencies next year. Using distribution formulas the Speaker has mandated in the past, roughly half of those cuts will be felt in education which could translate into higher property taxes, college tuition and fees. Such reductions in an election year seem beyond belief and could cause huge public reaction. At the least, the cuts should be made after thoughtful prioritization, not using a historic formula.
Local Libraries Receive Grants
The Secretary of State announced the libraries that won grants from the Back 2 Books Program including five libraries in our area. Cortland, Hampshire and Sycamore were awarded the maximum $5,000 grant, Malta received $4,100 and Hinckley was awarded $2,500.
The program is available each year to all academic, school, public, and special library agencies who meet certain criteria. The Back 2 Books program is funded with a mixture of state and federal grants. The more than $600,000 awarded this year was meant to encourage people to read and learn at the library. Emphasis was in such areas as early childhood literacy, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), employment and workforce readiness, and reading enrichment.
To see a full list of criteria and how you can apply for 2015 grants, visit the Secretary of State’s website here.
Regional Company Celebrates 88 Years
In these difficult economic times we need to celebrate when another family–owned business has a long successful career. Congratulations to Kelley Williamson Oil Company on 88 successful years of serving Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. The company has found new ways to compete and stay relevant for customers by selling food, beverages and snacks in addition to fuel at the Kelley’s Market.
Read more about the local chain in the Convenience Store News article here.
Recognition from Two Illinois Groups
I was surprised by visitors to the Illinois House this past week who presented me with the Illinois Counseling Association’s Outstanding Legislator Award. Pictured are Northern Illinois University graduate students in the mental health counseling program, NIU Associate Professor Debra Pender and Daniel Stasi, Executive Director of the Illinois Mental Health Counselors.
The Illinois Academy of Audiology recently presented me with their Legislative Award as well. Follow the link to my website for details and a picture from the award ceremony. I am honored by these awards and the opportunity to work with organizations and individuals trying to improve the lives of others.
DeKalb County Residents Help with Testimony
People often ask where the ideas for legislation originate. They could see the answer this past week as I presented HB4464 in the Judiciary Committee. Sarah Frazier, a DeKalb County Sheriff’s Deputy, was present to explain the bill she suggested. Joining her were fellow deputy John Holliday and DeKalb Fireman Luke Howieson.
Frazier told the compelling story of how she was battered while on duty and suffered great bodily harm, and how that convicted aggressor was out of prison before she could recover.
The bill would limit the amount of “good time” inmates could earn thus having to serve more of their sentence when they cause great bodily harm to first responders, peace officers, prison guards and certain public employees. A vote on the bill will be taken at a later date.
Ethics Law to Cover all County Board Appointments
Legislation passed out of the House last week to extend the ethics law to all County Board appointments. HB 4208 filled a loop hole in the law that said only appointments made by the county board president or chairperson was covered. The state ethics law also covers all elected officials and public employees.
Utility Helps with Heating Bills
In response to the extended cold winter, ComEd has dedicated an additional $10 million to help financially struggling customers. In an announcement last week the company said it was adjusting the income eligibility so more customers would qualify for help paying their electric bills. The expanded program will remain until April 1 when hopefully we won’t be fooled and this winter will end.
You can find more information and she if you qualify for this program by calling 1-888-806-2273, or visiting the ComEd website.
National Security Affected by Education
While businesses were telling the legislature about their difficulty in finding people to perform highly skilled jobs last week, a rear admiral said the military was having the same issue. Rear Admiral Casey Coane, retired, was in Springfield to support the new tougher state K-12 school learning standards and encourage Illinois and the nation to do a better job of educating our youth.
He said currently 75 percent of the 17- to 25-year-olds are rejected by the modern military, primarily because they are physically unfit, have dropped out of high school or have a criminal record. Coane encouraged the legislature to invest early in the upcoming generation, set high standards for learning and creative thinking, and keep students in school.
Statistics show that when high school students drop out of school they earn less in their career than those who continue their education, are more likely to be unemployed and turn to illegal behavior. Jobs today–all kinds of jobs-require a more skilled workforce.
Besides encouraging more rigor in school courses, the Real Admiral is traveling around the country to urge the best and brightest to go on to become teachers, and hold our educational system accountable for their role in our nation’s security and prosperity.
Community Leaders to Gather
Make your reservation this week to join the Community Leaders’ Breakfast on March 12. You will enjoy fellowship with other community leaders while discussing state issues, our business climate and ways to encourage citizen involvement in government.
Featured speaker will be Illinois Chamber of Commerce President Doug Whitley with Senator Dave Syverson and Representative Bob Pritchard providing their observations. See details below.
My thanks to the Sycamore Chamber of Commerce for organizing the event.
I will be in Springfield this week but call if my assistant Jesse or I can be of assistance.
Bob
District Office 815-748-3494 or E-Mail to bob@pritchardstaterep.com
Click Here To Submit A News Tip Or Story