Legislative News

To contact Senator Wilhelmi:

217-782-8800

815-207-4445


To contact Representative McAsey:

217-782-4179

815-588-0085

Senator Wilhelmi announces he will no longer participate in Legislative Scholarship Program

 

 

 

IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE


January 9, 2012

 

Senator, AJ Wilhelmi

 

“For the past several months, I have been debating whether to continue awarding legislative scholarships to college-bound students who live in the 43rd District,” Wilhelmi said. “In the end, I decided that the problems with the program outweigh its benefits.”

 

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Local Legislators Split On Smart Grid Bill:  What Role Did Campaign Contributions Play In the Decision?


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

October 10, 2011

 

Rhonda Reed-Slaughter

rhonda@thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com

 

 

ComEd and Ameren donate more than $1.3 million to campaign funds in months leading to "Smart Grid" bill approval.

 

 

According to an explosive article published by the Better Government Association (BGA) -  

 

"In the months leading up to the Illinois General Assembly's approval of a controversial energy bill that would raise electric rates statewide and revamp an aging power grid, utility giants ComEd and Ameren, and their executives and affiliates, donated more than $1.3 million to campaign funds benefitting state lawmakers, according to an analysis by the Better Government Association."

 

 

Can you believe it?  Com Ed and Ameren attempting to influence legislators by donating $1.3 million to their campaign. 

 

The Number Crunchers decided to do some investigating of our own. How much did our local legislators get?  How did they vote?

 

 

Here's what we discovered. 

 

 

How did our local legislators vote (SB1652)?

  • Senator A.J. Wilhelmi (D) - Yes
  • Representative, Emily McAsey (D) - No

 

 

How much money did Ameren contribute to their campaign?

 

 

How much money did Com Ed contribute to their campaign?

 

 

According to the information pulled from the Illinois State Board of Elections website -

 

Ameren and Com Ed contributed more than $10k to Senator A.J. Wilhelmi's campaign.  Did their contributions influence Wilhelmi's decision to support SB1652?

 

Representative, Emily McAsey received no money from Com Ed, and Ameren contributed only $1,000 to her campaign in 2009.  McAsey voted against the bill.  Can we assume she was least likely to be swayed by their contributions, so they didn't bother donating heavily to her campaign?

 

 

 

Status of Bill?

Governor Quinn (D) vetoed SB1652 on September 12, 2011.  Illinois legislators will have a second chance to retool the bill, and vote. 

 

To learn more about SB1652 read BGA's investigation.   Click here to read BGA's article.

 

It's not too late to contact Senator Wilhelmi, and Representative McAsey to share your thoughts on the Smart Grill bill.

 

 

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Senator Wilhelmi (D) Discuss Controversial Bills' With The Number Crunchers



September 1, 2011

 

By Rhonda Reed-Slaughter

rhonda@thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com

 

 

Early Tuesday, Senator Wilhelmi and I discussed the FOIA modification and independent water agency bills, both supported by Wilhelmi, and signed into law by Governor Quinn, last Friday.

 

The Number Crunchers have published several articles on the subject, and clearly stated our concerns.

 

Senator Wilhelmi's position is detailed below. If you need clarification, consider contacting the Senator directly.   His contact information is provided at the end of the article.

 

We appreciate Senator Wilhelmi's participation, and hope this information benefits the reader in some capacity.

 

 

 

SENATOR WILHELMI'S POSITION

 

FOIA Modification Bill (HB1716)

ISSUE: We expressed our concern that the new law will make it more difficult for the community, including watchdog groups, to access government records.

 

Government will now have the freedom to deny information at will, without any reason.

 

How can local watchdog groups investigate government if they can't access government records in a timely manner, relatively free of government interference?

 

 

SENATOR WILHELMI: Local governments were having problems with frequent FOIA request being made by "ambulance chasers", (i.e. attorneys) who obtain police records to gain access to victim names, address, etc. in order to file lawsuits.

 

Also, there were problems with individuals in the community using FOIA request to harass elected officials. Numerous FOIA request were submitted on a weekly basis resulting in government employees spending hours making copies.

 

Wilhelmi believes the law will not prevent watchdog groups from freely accessing government information. As long as the number of request meets the "threshold amount", the public can continue to submit FOIA request.

 

 

 

 

Independent Water Agency (SB83)

ISSUE: Once the pipelines are confiscated from Illinois American Water, via eminent domain, and an independent water agency is created, what type of controls will be in place to protect the community from gross financial mismanagement similar to DuPage Water Commission? Who will be serving on the board? Where's the oversight and accountability detailed in the law?

 

 

SENATOR WILHELMI: SB83 is not a new law, it's a modification of a law drafted in 2006. The new law changes the terms of when a water system can be created - from "either/or" to "majority" of municipalities may create a water system.  

 

In essence, 4 of the 6 communities affected will need to be in agreement with creating a new water agency.

 

Plainfield worked out a deal with IAW, and subsequently withdrew from the consortium.

 

Bolingbrook, Lockport, Romeoville, Homer Glen and Woodridge represent the majority.

 

 

In regards to whether there will be controls in place to protect the community, and who exactly will be serving on the board? Senator Wilhelmi agreed to look into it, and get back to us.

 

He further explained, the independent water agency is basically an intergovernmental agreement between the 5 communities. They will be primarily responsible for establishing guidelines for the water system.

 

 

 

FINAL COMMENTS

We appreciate Senator Wilhelmi's participation in the conversation, but continue to have major concerns about both bills.

 

More questions -

 

  • Going forward, will we experience any resistance once a FOIA request is submitted? Assuming we stay within the "threshold amount".

 

  • How much will the government charge for copies, now that they can attach a fee?

 

  • What's the official "threshold" amount (number of FOIA request per month, or year)? 

 

  • Who will be serving on the water commission board?

 

  • What type of controls will be in place to protect the community from financial mismanagement?

 

  • When will the water agency be created?

 

  • What's the organizational structure?

 

 

 

If you have additional questions, consider contacting Senator Wilhelmi directly.  He can be reached at 217-782-8800 or 815-207-4445.

 

 

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Senator, AJ Wilhelmi (D) Explains Why He Voted "Yes" To HB 1716


Thank you for contacting me about HB1716, which makes various modifications to the Freedom of Information Act.

 

This bill addresses complaints we have received about FOIA since the enactment of Public Act 96-542, which we passed to grant the public greater transparency and access to government activities.

 

Specifically, HB 1716 does the following:

 

  • allows public bodies to charge fees for responding to FOIA requests but only if the request is for a commercial purpose.

 

  • grants public bodies additional time to respond to “recurrent requesters” (similar to what is currently being done for “commercial requesters”). 

 

  • gives the Public Access Counselor more flexibility in handling FOIA appeals.

 

Regarding the fees, there was significant outreach from public officials from all levels of government during this legislative session. One very small village told us that they had to spend almost all of the money they collected from property taxes to respond to FOIA requests.

 

In a nutshell, HB 1716 imposes additional fees on commercial requesters to prevent taxpayers from subsidizing commercial enterprises. Under current law, the only fees allowed by FOIA are printing/copying fees, which cannot exceed 15 cents/page (first 50 pages free). Some members wanted to impose additional fees on all requesters (members of the public along with commercial requesters).

 

At the end of the day, we worked with all interested parties and agreed to impose additional fees only on commercial requesters since these are commercial enterprises that are making big money from the information they are receiving from the public bodies.

 

HB 1716 allows public bodies to impose the following costs on commercial requesters:

 

  • · Personnel costs. Public bodies to charge up to $10 for each hour spent by personnel in searching for and retrieving a requested record. The first 8 hours are free.

 

  • · Transportation and storage costs. Public bodies may charge the actual costs of retrieving and transporting public records if they are at an off-site location owned by a third-party.

 

Therefore, while HB 1716 imposes additional fees for access to public records, these fees are only imposed on commercial enterprises. It should be noted that FOIA requests from commercial enterprises are typically more burdensome than a typical FOIA request from a member of the public.

 

For example, a business might have a standing FOIA request seeking all DUI information or arrest records in a municipality. Another business might want information on all property assessments. These commercial FOIA requests require significant resources, and it isn’t fair that taxpayers are subsidizing such commercial activities.

 

It is important to note that the Attorney General and the Illinois Municipal League were strong supporters of HB 1716, along with the DuPage Mayors and Managers Conference, Illinois Association of Park Districts, Illinois Association of County Clerks and Recorders, and School Management Alliance. HB 1716 helps to further the intent of FOIA, which is to grant all persons full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts and policies of those who represent them as public officials, not to enrich commercial enterprises at the expense of taxpayers. Significantly, the Illinois Press Association was neutral.

 

 

Click to learn more about HB 1716

 

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Wake Up People!

Illinois Legislators Just Voted to Strip the Public's Access to Government Records

 

 

June 18, 2011

 

By Rhonda Reed-Slaughter

rhonda@thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com

 

 

Behind the shadows, while most in Illinois are struggling with skyrocketing food and gas prices, declining property values, and unemployment fears, our elected officials in the General Assembly pushed thru a bill that literally strips the public's access to government records.

 

I'm sure you're thinking "why should I care? It doesn't effect me." Well think again.

 

The only group that will be hurt by this Stalinesque law are the people of Illinois. The governmental entities on the local, county and State levels will benefit greatly because they will no longer be required by law to open their books. Transparency in Illinois government will be non-existent.

 

 

THE HISTORY OF FOIA LAW

Illinois Attorney General, Lisa Madigan (D) strongly supported the goal of "transparency in government", and moved forward with revising the FOIA law in 2008. According to Madigan, she wanted to "open government records to public scrutiny".

 

To many in the community, and local watchdog groups, this was a positive step in the right direction, by making the public's interest a priority.

 

 

CURRENT WATCHDOG GROUPS & THE IMPORTANCE OF AN OPEN GOVERNMENT?

 

The Better Government Association (BGA):

In 2011, a BGA investigation exposed former Oak Brook Village President, John Craig (R) and his wife collecting 4 pensions. Craig's also employed with the State of Illinois, and will soon collect a 5th pension once he retires.

 

Many view this to be the epitome of hypocrisy considering the fact that Craig claimed to be a fiscal conservative, pushing hard to privatize public safety jobs, criticizing public-backed pensions, and laying off police officers and firefighters.

 

Oak Brook voters had the final say by voting Craig out of office in April, 2011. Imagine how this story would've played-out if the FOIA laws were more restrictive?

 

The Better Government Association (BGA) was started in 1923 by a group of clergymen, attorneys, editors and businessmen to combat corruption in Chicago. The group was formed during the Prohibition Era when corruption was rampant. Even the Mayor at the time, William "Big Bill" Thompson (aka The worst mayor in any major city at any time in the country's history) was close pals with Al Capone.

 

Click to read more of the article


Democrat Controlled State Legislature Pass New Redistricting Map
 
An abuse of power or the nature of the game?


May 31,2011


By Rhonda Reed-Slaughter

rhonda@thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com



It's hard to believe the general election was just 7 months ago.  Because of the economic recession, and lack of jobs, voters across the country punished democrats by electing republican governors, and congressman state to state. 


In Illinois, the republicans gained 4 congressional seats, helping the party re-gain control of the U.S. House of Representatives.


Looks as if the Illinois democrats found a masterful way of rolling back those gains. 

 

In a shocking move that supporters call brilliant, and republicans cry "foul".  The democrat controlled state legislature recently passed Senate Bill 1178.  A  redistricting bill that sets the stage for a complete rollback of republican gains, and solidify democrat party control for the next 10 years.


The new legislative boundaries will have a significant impact on 5 U.S. Congressional seats.


It appears 5 republican incumbents very own districts have been redrawn to include hostile democrat territory.


For example, Representative, Robert Dold's (R) district will now include veteran democrat Rep. Jan Schakowsky's. 

 

Another example, first time Representative Adam Kinzinger's (R) district is drawn in the same district as veteran democrat, Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr.


Can you imagine the type of race between Kinzinger (R) and Jackson, Jr. (D)? 

 

 

 

The democrat controlled legislature passed the bill on May 27, 2011.


Here's how our local leaders voted:


  • Senator, AJ Wilhelmi- Yes

  • Repr.  Emily McAsey - Yes


 

 

Do you consider SB1178 to be an abuse of power, or the nature of the game?



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Source:  Illinois General Assembly, Chicago Business (5/30/11), Northwest Herald (5/27/11).


 

State Senator,

AJ Wilhelmi's

Public Statement on Tax Hike

 

 

On the Taxpayer Accountability and Budget Stabilization Act:

"In my years in the General Assembly, I have seen our state budget go from bad to worse. We have spent the last couple of years cutting government services by $4.4 billion.

 

The need to come up with a solution that a majority of the members of the General Assembly could agree on was of the utmost importance to myself and my colleagues.


While the decision to raise revenue through taxes has not been an easy one, I and my fellow members of your General Assembly had to take action or the fiscal situation of the state would have fallen even further.


 

With safeguards in place, such as the spending cap and the temporary nature of these taxes, I felt this option was the best of many bad choices."


AJ Wilhelmi
State Senator
43rd District



 

 

Emily McAsey

Explains Why She Voted Against Tax Hike

 

 

 

January 13, 2011

 

Stmt From State Rep. Emily McAsey

 

Since taking office two years ago, I have consistently stood strong against tax increases.  This week I voted against a measure to raise the income tax on working families from 3% to 5% and on businesses in Illinois from 4.8% to 7%.

 

During this economic downturn, I believe we must reform state spending before turning to taxpayers and asking them to foot the bill of the state's massive debt.  Raising taxes on businesses will only deter them from locating here in our state and push existing businesses away.

 

I am disappointed that this measure passed and I will continue to work to reduce state spending and restore integrity in government. To ensure that vital state programs are available for those who need them most, it is important that legislators prioritize spending before placing more of the responsibility onto taxpayers.

Wilhelmi:  New Consumer Protections Make Electrical Grid Modernization Package Much Better Deal

 

 

News Release, October 25, 2011

 

Springfield – State Senator AJ Wilhelmi (D-Joliet) is supporting new legislation that makes Illinois’ electrical grid modernization package a much better deal for the State and consumers.

 

“This legislation will force power companies to provide their customers with more reliable service—especially when it comes to power outages,” Wilhelmi said. “It also requires them to create new customer assistance programs for low-income families, senior citizens, active duty military service members, and disabled veterans. If the companies fail to meet job creation requirements, they will be subject to stiff financial penalties.”

 

The new bill, House Bill 3036, is a follow-up to the “Smart Grid” electric grid bill passed earlier this year. The purpose of the entire package is to enable power companies to upgrade Illinois’ increasingly outdated power grid, preventing outages and providing consumers with modern technology-based options to track and control their power usage. The legislation requires ComEd and downstate Ameren to invest $2.6 billion in Illinois’ electrical grid and create at least 2,450 full-time jobs over the next ten years.

 

House Bill 3036 spells out that half of the more than $3 billion in investments must go to creating a “smart grid” that consumers can use to track their power usage and shift high-energy tasks to lower-rate hours. The other half must upgrade existing infrastructure. It also creates penalties if ComEd does not reduce storm-related power outages by at least 20 percent in hard-hit areas. It cuts the profits that these companies can collect, and lowers them even further if they don’t meet performance metrics. It creates a $60 million assistance program for households that struggle to pay power bills and sets new job-creation standards.

 

“This bill is about consumers,” Wilhelmi said. “It requires ComEd to invest jobs and money in Illinois, and it sets their profit margins below what they may have received if they had gone before regulatory bureaucrats. In the end, the electrical grid upgrade should save electrical consumers money, protect the environment, and guaranty the power companies don’t see unreasonable profits at the public’s expense.”

 

The underlying bill, Senate Bill 1652, was vetoed by Governor Quinn. This additional legislation will not take effect unless the legislature overrides the Governor’s veto.

 

 

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Government Regulation Favor Big Business, Penalize Small Ones

 

 

Nice Cream's required to purchase a $40k pasteurizing machine or the government will shut her down.


September 13, 2011


By Rhonda Reed-Slaughter

Kris Swanberg, owner of a successful small business in Chicago called Nice Cream, received a surprise visit from the Illinois Department of Public Health.


According to IDPH, the ice-cream business was in violation because they were not using a pasteurizing machine to prepare milk and other ingredients.

 

In order to comply with Illinois regulations,

Swanberg will have to fork over $40k for a new pasteurizing machine.

 

Without the expensive machine, the govement may shutdown her business.


This was shocking news to Swanberg, and the first time she's ever heard about it.  After all, Nice Cream's been up and running for several years now.

 

That's right, she's been selling ice cream to Whole Foods for several years, until the government came by, knocking at her door, to tell her she's in violation of some unknown regulation, and would have to fork over $40k to keep the doors open.


Apparently, the government regulation in question treat small ice cream operators the very same as billion dollar ice cream companies.

 

In effect, making it very expensive for small ice-cream makers to compete in the marketplace.

 

Illinois legislators are slowly moving in the right direction.  They recently voted on a law that will benefit small businesses.


Governor Quinn (D) recently signed a bill into law (The Cottage Food Law, SB 840) that will allow certain foods to be cooked in a Home kitchen. 

 

Unfortunately, ice cream's not included on the list.

 

As of today, small ice-cream makers like Nice Cream will be required to purchase the $40k pasteurizing machine in order to do business in Illinois.

 

The community has decided to step-up and speak-out against the prohibitive regulation.

 

Swanberg's story was featured on WLS-Chicago, and her business is profiled on Kickstarter.com, a small-business funding website.  CLICK HERE TO VIEW PROFILE


 

If you want to help out.  Give Senator Wilhelmi (D), and Rep. Emily McAsey (D) a call.  Ask them if they would consider sponsoring a bill that will help small ice-cream makers like Nice Cream.

 

 

Legislative Note:  The Cottage Food Law, SB 840, which excludes ice cream, passed both chambers in May, 2011. 

 

  • Senator, AJ Wilhelmi (D) - voted YES. 

 

  • Rep.  Emily McAsey (D) voted NO.

 

  • Governor Quinn (D) signed the bill into law on August 16, 2011.


 


 

CLICK HERE TO READ  THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE ARTICLE

 

 

 

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Governor Quinn (D) Signs Anti-Open Government Bill Into Law

 

 

When people say "Illinois is a corrupt state", Governor Quinn's decision on Friday made it a reality.



August 29, 2011


By Rhonda Reed-Slaughter

rhonda@thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com



On Friday, August 26, 2011, Governor Quinn signed HB1716.  The anti-watchdog bill that literally strips the public's access to government records.


Prominent watchdog groups like the Better Government Association, and Illinois Policy Institute spoke out against the bill.


Numerous articles were published in the Chicago Sun-Times and Tribune.


In addition, The Number Crunchers - Bolingbrook published several articles on the subject.


Goal:  to encourage the public to speak out against the anti-democracy bill.


Either Quinn (D) chose to ignore the public's outrage, or he assumed no one would be paying attention or even care.


Do you care? 


Where do you fit in the equation?


Did you call Governor Quinn (D), or Senator AJ Wilhelmi (D) protesting their support of the bill?


Did you call Rep. Emily McAsey (D) to congratulate her for opposing the bill?


It's been often said, "Illinois is a corrupt state."


On Friday, Governor Quinn (D) has given us more reason to believe that it is.

 

 

More information

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-ap-il-freedomofinformat,0,50880.story

 

 


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Waiting Game:  Should Governor Quinn Sign or Veto Legislation? 

We're anxiously awaiting Governor Quinn's decision on 3 important bills that will directly impact our community and State.

 

The 3 bills are currently sitting on the Governor's desk.

 

Take a moment to recap by reading the detail for each bill (below), and share your comments.

 

Do you think Governor Quinn should sign or veto the bill?

 

 

SB83 - Signed 8/26/11

Gives the 6 communities (that make up the new water agency) the power to forcibly take the pipelines from Illinois American Water.  

 

Senator Wilhelmi, and Rep. McAsey voted in-support of the bill.  Mayor Claar's also in agreement.

 

CLICK TO READ DETAIL

 

 

 

HB1716 - Signed 8/26/11

Modifies the Freedom of Information Act. 

 

Critics believe the bill will strip the publics' access to government records.  

 

Rep.  McAsey voted against the bill, and Senator Wilhelmi voted in-support of the bill.  Wilhelmi explains why he supported the bill (click on the detail link below).  

 

CLICK TO READ DETAIL

   
   
   

 

 

 

SB0744

Gambling expansion bill.  Estimated to bring in $1 billion a year. 

 

Senator Wilhelmi and Rep. McAsey voted against the bill.

 

CLICK TO READ DETAIL


Local Legislators Wilhelmi & McAsey  Vote on 2 Controversial Issues
 
Civil Unions and Gambling Expansion.  How did they vote?


June 9, 2011


By Rhonda Reed-Slaughter

rhonda@thenumbercrunchers-bolingbrook.com



Local legislators, Senator AJ Wilhelmi (D), and Representative Emily McAsey (D) were re-elected in November, 2010 to serve the people of district 43 and 85, which includes Bolingbrook, Illinois.


In case you haven't been following the news, two important and controversial bills were presented to the general assembly.  One passed and is now law.  The other is placed on hold. 


How did our local legislators vote?


As voters, it's important we understand how local leaders are voting in order to determine whether they are representing our interest.  Remember, 2012 is fast approaching.  Senator Wilhelmi (D) and Representative McAsey (D) will be asking for your vote.  So arm yourself with as much information as possible.



Issue #1:  The Civil Union Bill

The civil union bill (SB1716) became law on June 1,2011.


The law allows both gay and straight couples to enter into a civil union, and gives them the same legal rights as married couples.


Supporters of the bill believe it's only fair that same-sex couples have a say when it comes to their partner's health issues, finances and property.  The new law gives them that power.


Those opposing the law considers it to be an aggressive move by the gay community to redefine marriage.  They believe it's an attempt to force an "unacceptable" lifestyle onto others.


How did our local legislators vote?

 

  • Senator, AJ Wilhelmi (D) - Yes
  • Representative, Emily McAsey (D) - Yes

 

 

Issue #2:  Expansion of Legalized Gambling

The State of Illinois is currently struggling with an $8 billion budget deficit. The State will need to drastically cut cost, and identify alternative sources of revenue to close the ever expanding budget deficit.

 

Sponsors of the gambling expansion bill (SB0744) believes the expansion may be the answer.  Estimating an additional revenue of $1 billion, annually. 

 

The expansion would include the following:

 

  • Illinois will host 15 casinos, which will include the 9 existing casinos, 1 new casino in Chicago, Danville, Park City, and an undetermined south suburban location.

 

  • Slot machines at 6 race tracks and the 2 Chicago airports. 

 

 

Supporters of the bill consider the expansion to be an ideal opportunity to accomplish 3 things.

 

  1. The state will be able to pay down over due bills of $6 billion.
  2. More jobs will be created.
  3.  An increase in economic development.

 

 

 

Those opposing the bill believes the expansion of gambling is nothing more than recycling cash, and not generating real revenue.  The gambling will attract the very people that are struggling most; the poor, elderly, and gambling addicts.  They believe it's morally wrong.

 

 

How did our local legislators vote?

 

  • Senator, AJ Wilhelmi (D) - No
  • Representative, Emily McAsey (D) - No

 

 

 

On May 30,2011, a motion was filed to reconsider the vote.  The bill is in essence "on hold" until further review.

 

 

How do you feel about both issues?

 

 

Click here to share your comments

 

 

Source:  Illinois General Assembly 2010 & 2011, Huffington Post 12/1/10, Sun-Times 6/7/11, Budget Illinois.Gov.


 

Bolingbrook Speaks Out Against Tax Hike

 

 

 

January 13, 2011


 

Joe the Bookworm

Joebookworm@gmail.com


 


 

Illinois Democrats have not heard the voters in the recent fall election.  Across the U.S., voters voiced disdain for excessive spending, excessive taxation and out of touch government.


 

In Illinois, our congressional delegation has moved to a more conservative direction.  Governor Quinn thinks he has a mandate to increase our taxes.  His campaign statements indicated a desire for a 1% increase in the income tax. 


 

For some reason, Quinn's opponent was unable to convince Illinois voters that he had a better plan.  Also, Scott Lee Cohen may have played a part.


 

Quinn only received 47% of the vote.  Now the Illinois Democrats passed a bill that increased state income tax by 66%.


 

Locally, A.J. Wilhelmi in his campaign showed a strong interest in supporting a "slight increase" in the income tax.  Personally, I do not trust a politician to cut spending who pledges to raise our taxes.


 

Cedra Crenshaw did not do well enough to overcome Wilhelmi's big union support and the advantages of incumbency.


 

Representative Emily McAsey promised in her campaign not to support an increase in raising the income tax or an expansion of the sales tax.


 

The Democrats wanted to increase the corporate tax rate from 4.8% to 8.4%, and a cigarette tax hike of $1 per pack.  These tax hikes are a reward to the teachers' and other government employee unions.


 

They are promising us property tax owners a measly $325 per year annual property tax rebate.  The tax hikes are bad for individuals, families and businesses.  They will cause more individuals and businesses to move from Illinois to other lower tax states like Indiana and Texas.


 

If the tax hikes are passed, we can expect unemployment rates to increase due to these job killing policies.


 

We need to call our lawmakers and let them know our opinions that spending must be cut (how about a spending freeze?) and taxes should not be increased.  Be courteous.  The problem is too much spending, not too little taxation.


 


 

To contact Senator Wilhelmi: 

217-782-8800

815-207-4445


 

To contact Representative McAsey:

217-782-4179

815-588-0085

 

 

 

CLICK TO READ MORE


 

 

 

Shocking News!

 

March 16, 2011

 

By Rhonda Reed-Slaughter

 


 

Shocking News!


The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is under attack!


Under the current system, watchdog groups like The Number Crunchers, as well as the public have the right to request copies of government records; such as, financial reports, expenditure detail, contracts, etc., and receive a response within a reasonable amount of time.  


The current FOIA law favors the public, and makes the public's interest a priority.   Governmental entities are required to respond within 5 business days, and the law does not set limits as to the number of request the public can make.    


Today, the FOIA laws are under attack.


Illinois State Senator, Edward D. Maloney (D) is sponsoring a bill (SB 1645) that seeks to limit the public's access to government information.


Highlights of the bill:


  • Extend the response time from 5 days to 21 days.

  • Set limits as to the number of request made per month (5 request), and year (20 request). 

  • The government will have the power to deny request depending on whether the request is made by the media, and the type of information requested. 

 

 

If Senator Maloney's bill (SB 1645) pass the house and senate, Illinois residents are in serious trouble.

 

Illinois Attorney General, Lisa Madigan (D) publicly expressed her intentions when revising the FOIA law in 2008.  She wanted to "open government records to public scrutiny".   A positive step in the right direction - by making the public's interest a priority.

 

Now Maloney (D) seeks to strip us of our rights to government records.  The next question that comes to mind is - what are they trying to hide?

 

 

Just think of the type of articles published on The Number Crunchers.  

 

  • The list of non-profits that receive hundreds of thousands from our government.
  • The salaries and benefits of Village, Police and Public Works administrators.
  • The financial condition of the Village, library and school.
  • The ever-increasing bond debt at Valley View.
  • The thousands of dollars Village and School Administrators get for car allowance every year.

 

 

As the public, it's important that we pay close attention to the type of decisions our legislators are making.  Are they putting the public's interest first?

 

Senator, AJ Wilhelmi, and Representative, Emily McAsey are both members of the General Assembly, and will vote on this bill.  Curious  minds want to know - How will they vote?

 

The Number Crunchers did reach out to both legislators, and awaiting a response.

 

Stay tuned.

 

 

Click here to view detail of SB1645

 

What do you think of this bill?