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Health & Fitness

Kirk Dillard Reacts to Annual State of the State Address

State Senator from Hinsdale wants more specifics from Gov. Pat Quinn.

February 2, 2012

Dear Friends,

Yesterday, Gov. Pat Quinn presented his vision for Illinois to the lawmakers and the citizens of this state. While I agree with many of the Governor’s priorities, I would like to see a list—dollar for dollar—outlining how he intends to pay for the proposals he advocated for on Wednesday.

Like Governor Quinn, I believe we must prioritize higher education in Illinois. I, too, would like to see more college scholarship assistance for meritorious students. I submit that we eliminate the legislative tuition waiver program, which will immediately save $14 million that can be used to finance higher education assistance. I was disappointed the Governor did not mention eliminating the controversial General Assembly scholarship program.

Additionally, I wish that we heard more about how Governor Quinn plans to tackle the state’s most pressing issue: the budget. The “state” of our state demands immediate attention. While I commend the Governor’s intentions to bring jobs to Illinois, the reality is that the state’s fiscal health drives job growth and development.

Governor Quinn said that cuts alone will not return Illinois to solvency. This is true. Last year, Senate Republicans introduced a proposal outlining both cuts, as well as options for attracting jobs and streamlining state government. However, this week the Civic Federation underscored a stark reality: without substantial budget cuts, Illinois’ deficit will continue to snowball. Without state leadership committed to making cuts, instituting reforms in all areas of government, and rolling back the onerous tax increase, employers will continue to flee—taking jobs with them.

Governor Quinn made a point to mention the need for income tax relief in Illinois to help working families. I agree with the Governor—working families in Illinois need relief. However, I believe the best relief would come from eliminating the tax increase he pushed for, that that took one week’s pay out of the pockets of hardworking Illinois taxpayers.

Best regards,

Kirk Dillard

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