Reboletti: Governor’s Budget Address Full of Promises but Short on Details
February 20. 2008

Springfield …Stressing the need for a new approach to the state budget and Illinois’ impending revenue shortfall, State Representative Dennis Reboletti (R-Elmhurst) called on Governor Blagojevich to put the focus back on the state’s existing obligations, proposing a capital bill and give up his ongoing desire to expand state government.

“We have once again been reminded of the differing philosophies in Illinois politics,” stated Reboletti. “I believe that we need focus on the things that matter to the people of Illinois; lowering the tax burden on families and employers, honoring our commitment to our current health care and education obligations, and placing a significant investment in our state’s infrastructure,” he added.

Last year, House Republicans proposed a $25.4 billion jobs and infrastructure proposal to repair or rebuild Illinois schools, roadways, mass transit and other state facilities. According to federal government estimates, a capital program would have created 202,000 new highway construction jobs alone.

“I am reminded daily how desperately the state needs a capital bill to repair and update our roadways. Route 53 needs to be resurfaced and widen. Lake Street is covered with major pot holes that not only pop tires but also put the safety of every driver at risk. The street crews do a good job of trying to fill these pot holes but they just can’t keep up. The state needs to stop solving problems with band aids and actually get the job done by repaving these streets,” Reboletti said

The Democrat leadership in this state has continuously offered irresponsible tax and spend budgets, and this year is no exception. Last year, the Governor and Democrat-controlled leadership proposed an $8 billion gross receipts tax and a $9 billion tax increase on income, sales and services. This year the Governor proposed $750 million in new taxes on businesses and a 20% corporate tax cut for those corporations that paid taxes for 2007.

Today’s proposal included nearly $1 billion in annually reoccurring business taxes as well as further schemes to sell off state assets and pension bonds which would further increase Illinois’ long term obligation debt. Included in this proposal is another attempt at selling the Illinois State Lottery, in addition to many other past proposals.

“The Governor tried selling the lottery last year and was soundly rejected. The lottery is a reliable funding source for education.” Reboletti said. “And we have no assurances that Governor Blagojevich will not spend the entire proceeds in one year and leave our schools and the state in an even bigger financial mess.”

“My hope is that the Governor will listen to the families in my district and across the state and act in a fiscally responsible manner with their tax dollars,” Reboletti said.

Additional questions can be directed to Reboletti’s office at (630) 530-2730.

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