The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Dessa Rodeffer/Quill Publisher/Owner
Rich Myers (R) Illinois State Representative and John Sullivan (D) Illinois State Senator were guest speakers at the Henderson-Warren Farm Bureau Governmental Affairs Dinner last week at St. Patrick's Community Center near Raritan.
Myers said, "Right now they were getting very little guidance from the state" due to lack of appointments and newly appointment officials who "don't know" the just of things yet.
"We have over 3,600 bills all assigned to committees," Myers explained, "with two weeks to get them out on the floor."
Myers explained how many bills came about, and said they were anxious for the new Governor to offer the budget which is normally before them in February. It may only leave them six weeks to sort through it and make changes, he said.
Myers fears the budget won't be given to them until the end of May leaving them little time to be out by the end of June. He said they need time to get the details all worked out.
"With this year's revenue less than the year's before we have two choices....increase revenue and/or reduce spending.
John Sullivan has a new perspective. "I'm like a kid in a candy store," he said. I've been wanting to be in office all my adult life. Sullivan admitted that it's always more overwhelming than one might think with the constant pressures, invitations, and people always at your door, "but I love it!" he answered.
Sullivan said there has been a little over 1,000 bills introduced in the Senate since he took office January 8th. he's been around the district talking with Education officials, Superintendents, Boards, Mayors, Economic Development heads in all 13 counties.
"I asked to be on three committees and was appointed to them," he said. "Transportation, Education, and Agriculture.
He was proud to have been a leader in the Senate Bill #36, an Ethanol bill that offered a tax incentive for diesel. Sullivan said he hoped for Ethanol production to create jobs and offer additional markets for corn and increase the value of corn.
Our Ag committee meets twice a week to talk about the grain code trying to work out problems.
Sullivan also is working with the Western Illinois Economic Development Authority to issue Bonds to bring Economic development here in this part of the state.
Another bill he said offers tougher penalties on those producing "Meth" especially when children are in the area.
Last, he asked for prayers for all the men and women in the military. "I have a nephew and a brother-in-law in Kuwait," he said.
Sullivan said he had never ran for office before and everyone talked about the time and the work, but until you are there - you just don't know. "You are bombarded all the time" he said, or someone is outside your door. There are meetings and pre-meetings and people from your district come. But it is really exciting and it is a tremendous honor to be one of 69 Senators to represent the 12 million people of Illinois.
The two legislatures took turns talking about the school funding problems, hospital and nursing home problems and that they are 2 to 3 months behind in payments because of the lack of cash flow, the fact that the comptroller will not run vouchers if there is not enough dollars.
The EFAB Report (Education Funding Advisory Board) was discussed with parts such as the Poverty Grant, Equitable Funding, Additional Revenue to offset Property taxes and increasing the foundation level. Some districts are at the foundation level and others maybe paid as much as 70% by the state.
The problem, they said is an increased foundation level may give relief in property tax but it could be offset by an increased personal income tax of 1% raising the state tax from 3% to 4%. We are already 2 billion in the red in education and the public doesn't want taxes raised, they explained.
They also discussed the "Hold Harmless" act that would set Ô97-'98 as the base year and though enrollment might drop, a district would not lose any more than what was in that year.
Yorkwood is one of the biggest receivers, a board member said.
The EFAB report said to do away with "hold harmless".
Sullivan said that he didn't know if the state could force consolidation, but it is going to happen. "Rich and I met with the boards to discuss it. I think they should be," he said to offer better curriculum for college bound students.
He said there were 900 school districts, a lot of dual elementary/high schools in the same boundaries and thinks they should consolidate into a Unit District. It would eliminate some staffing.
Sullivan told of an Industry student who was #1 in his class but couldn't get into the University of Illinois because he didn't have adequate classes offered in school to allow him to be qualified. Junior Colleges, at present, are picking up their slack as well as Internet offerings.
"I have to think what is best for our kids," Sullivan said. "You give a little bit to make things better .' Transportation costs aren't as big of issue. 80% are paid by the state, he said.
Sullivan said when he was young he rode an hour on the bus and that committee of ten boards were working to make sure no one was on the bus over an hour.
Sullivan commended the area Committee of ten groups who work on consolidation issues. "I know they put a lot of time and effort into these meetings as volunteers.
In producing jobs in the area, Representative Myers said Sites Selection Magazine that monitors best places to attract business selected Illinois as #1 in the nation to locate or expand business based on tax benefits, and technology infrastructure.
The state is competitive, the U.S. isn't - losing jobs to Mexico.
Ways for Economic Development are: Development of Commerce and Economical Development bonds, Reduction of Interest Rates by 2-3% for expansions, expansion of roads such as HWY 34 4 lane between Burlington and Monmouth.
Farm Bureau President Terry Davis credited Illinois legislators work and excellent offering as the reason Iowa was pressured to make a better offer. He said it was not the state offering that lost the Ethanol Plant to Iowa but the fact that Illinois power couldn't offer electricity.
"It does work. We did win in Illinois, because the state may be better off financially while the farmers will increase the value of their corn while increasing their market for corn.
Sullivan said that the Governor is talking about closing tax loop holes and he didn't know if Rich could keep tax off farm equipment, fertilizer and chemicals. This lost would be devastating to farmers and Rich and I will fight against it.
They also thought that Illinois First dollars that had already been given approval will soon be released. Those who had ordered new fire trucks were concerned if the money would come through for the payments.
Myers again mentioned the effect of the early retirement offerings. Over 11,000 state employees took advantage and there is not the knowledge that there was at the top.