Barb Wheeler waits to be sworn in the State Rep. in a district that runs from Lakewood north through Spring Grove into Lake County.
A press release from State Rep. Barbara Wheeler:
Barbara Wheeler sworn into office Presses for legislative courage
Springfield, IL… At a ceremony at the University of Illinois Springfield, State Rep. Barbara Wheeler (R-Crystal Lake) took the oath of office to become State Rep. for the newly created 64th Legislative District. Wheeler says she is humbled at the opportunity to serve the interests of her neighbors and friends in Springfield.
“The responsibility of serving as State Representative is not something I take lightly,” said Wheeler. “I have been honored to serve the people of McHenry County as a County Board Member, now I take the challenge further to serve the interests of McHenry and Lake Counties in Springfield.”
Barbara has spent her entire adult life in public service, starting as volunteer for the United States Peace Corps.
She later served as a school teacher at Wauconda Middle School and was elected to the McHenry County Board in 2002.
As a Board Member, Barbara’s top priorities were conservation and fiscal responsibility.
She was awarded the Theta Award from the McHenry County Environmental Defenders for her conservation agenda.
Additionally, the County Board improved the bond rating to Aaa during her tenure.
Barbara stresses that in order to achieve these accomplishments in Illinois, the General Assembly needs to exert legislative courage.
Unlike in 1995 when this photo of Cal Skinner was taken on swearing in day, Republicans are not wearing buttons saying, “Happiness is a Republican Majority.”
“There are major issues facing the State of Illinois,” said Wheeler.
“We have
- an underfunded pension system,
- an unwanted income tax increase, and
- billions of dollars in unpaid bills
“Solutions to these problems are not easy.
“We need to be brave.
“We need to be courageous.
“We need to stand up for what is right for the people of Illinois and deal with today’s problems now.
“The people deserve this from their elected leaders.”
Wheeler says her top priorities in Springfield will be fixing the State’s finances while bringing jobs back to McHenry and Lake Counties.
She notes that dealing with the Illinois $96 billion in pension liability and allowing the 67% income tax increase to expire as solutions which the General Assembly needs the courage to solve.
“We have a unique problem in Illinois, where, despite extra revenue, pensions are still underfunded and bills are still unpaid,” said Wheeler.
“This is unacceptable. The solutions are not easy, but there are ways for Illinois to fix its pensions, pay its bills, and allow the tax increase to expire.
“We just need the courage to confront our current realities and get the job done.”
Finally a politician who is smart, interested in the “folks”, and has real life experience.
I’ve met Ms. Wheeler on a series of occasions. She is smart, engaging, pleasant, and principled. She was a teacher for a few years too, if I recall correctly.
I’m usually criticizing politicians here, so I should compliment one when we elect a good one. We have one here.
I hope and pray she keep up the honest work she’s successfully lived thus far.
Barb Wheeler is a great person and will make a great State Representative!!
Congrats Barb.
GET AN AGREEMENT TO CUT YEAR-OVER-YEAR SPENDING INCREASES FOR 20 YEARS.
DEDICATE THE SAVINGS FROM THAT DECREASE Y/O/Y TO THE PENSION FUNDS.
DEDICATE ALL LOTTERY PROCEEDS TO THE PENSION FUNDS.
PUT A TAMPER-PROOF LOCK ON PENSION FUNDS.
ILLINOIS PENSION FUNDS WILL BE IN BETTER SHAPE…MAYBE NOT QUICKLY BUT THE BOND RATING WILL RECOVER JUST ON THE SHOCK OF SOMETHING POSITIVE BEING DONE.
GET SERIOUS ABOUT THE PENSION DEBACLE.