Tryon Says Revenue Number Set Low, Pledges to Work for Decrease in Spending

Mike Tryon

An email from State Rep. Mike Tryon:

This week in Springfield the House passed a resolution that set a projected revenue number for fiscal year 2013.

The revenue number that will guide budget discussions will be $33.7 billion.

It is a number that is more conservative than projections from the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) and also the Governor’s Office.

But conservative revenue estimates are imperative given the terrible state of Illinois’ finances.

The establishment of this revenue number is an important first step in our 2013 budget process.

The next step will be determining expenses.

This is always the most difficult part of our budget process, and I intend to fight hard to ensure that spending ends up being less than revenues.

I also intend to fight for a spending side of the budget that is less than was spent last year.

Obviously, this will be a difficult process; especially since the governor has announced he wants to increase spending next year.

For me, the following items are critical this year:

  • Enact meaningful pension reform
  • Full implementation of Medicaid reforms passed last year
  • Control Spending
  • Prevent the expansion of programs
  • Reject raises for elected officials and state employees
  • Analyze and implement reforms to health care for the General Assembly and other state retirees
  • Take steps to make Illinois more business-friendly

In order to get our budget and backlog of bills under control, this year we MUST spend less than we did last year. To do this, we will all need to work together to make some difficult decisions. Living within our means and paying down the backlog of bills is the only way ensure that one day Illinois will be a financially-stable state.

I will continue to update you as budget discussion progress, and as always, if my staff or I can assist you in any way, please do not hesitate to call my Crystal Lake office at 815-459-6453.

Sincerely,

Michael W. Tryon,
State Representative, District 64


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *