Capital bill needs to be signed
This spring session, we in the Illinois Senate vowed to put partisan politics aside and to address the concerns of Illinois citizens in a bipartisan manner. The governor and members of the House and Senate all agreed that we must restore faith in government, balance the budget and pass a capital bill that creates thousands of jobs. I joined my colleagues in the Senate Democratic Caucus and passed legislation addressing these critical issues by the original May 31 adjournment date.
Wrong time for giveaway
In good times, an incentive of $500,000 in sewer and water improvements would not be a major request for a developer.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Two tax rates needed
In just three days, the state starts its new fiscal year, and for the second consecutive year, it appears the year will begin without a budget.
Donations mean picnic will go on
Faith can move mountains and the show must go on are the mottos that the newly formed group Tri-County Area Disability Activists, TADA, lives by. The first major project that the group has undertaken was to save the Americans with Disabilities Act picnic previously funded by the city of Joliet. With absolutely no funds and the task of feeding 300 people, the challenge seemed to be unrealistic and daunting. Amazingly, this picnic, scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 19 at Inwood Park in Joliet may be the best ever.
Cap-and-trade energy package: Voting 219-212, the House passed a bill, HR 2454, that would slowly shift U.S. energy production and consumption from carbon-based fuels to renewable fuels while imposing a cap-and-trade system. Halvorson: Yes Biggert: No Foster: No
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Mourning the loss of two dads
My 4-year-old son, Joseph, all snug in his warm, soft Superman pajamas, jumped onto my lap as I sat in the wooden rocking chair in his bedroom. The only illumination in his room came from the soft blue glow provided by his night light. We were all ready to begin our bedtime routine -- talk for a few minutes about our day, then say our prayers, sing our bedtime song and then get into bed.
Priorities losing in capital bill
As the state grapples with a $9.2 billion deficit and a variety of social services are in danger of being terminated, every dollar spent in Springfield deserves scrutiny.
War budget: Voting 226-202, the House approved the conference report on a bill to appropriate $80 billion through Sept. 30 for U.S. combat operations and $26 billion for nonmilitary programs. The bill was backed by 221 Democrats and five Republicans and opposed by 170 Republicans and 32 Democrats. Republicans objected mainly to the bill's $5 billion outlay for the International Monetary Fund, A yes vote approved the conference report.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Do people want to see fireworks?
In a time when we hear so much about a negative economy, we hesitate to add one more plea to the mounting pile. The July 4th fireworks at Memorial Stadium are in jeopardy this year. We need help from our community to keep this wonderful 63-year-old tradition alive.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
State pay editorial wrong
A week ago The Herald News editorial criticized Illinois Senate and House members for failing to stop a pay raise for themselves.
Moment of truth for Halvorson
As a candidate for Congress, Debbie Halvorson articulated the urgent need for action to address global warming and embrace a clean energy future.
Car, truck vouchers: Voting 298-119, the House passed a bill enabling consumers to trade their car or truck for a government voucher worth $3,500 to $4,500 to be used to help buy or lease a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle.Halvorson: Yes Biggert: No Foster: Yes
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Senate shows bravery in tax plan
Judging from the media coverage, you'd think the General Assembly's failed effort to pass a tax increase last week was more of the same. And you'd be wrong.
Time to plan for summer fun. From local community celebrations to county fairs and Illinois getaway locations, the Herald News provides this online guide to affordable family fun. And remember to send us your snapshots from the local festivals in jpeg format to fvpreaders@gmail.com.Include names and brief description with photo.
