A message from State Senator Karen McConnaughay. (Still waiting for her to email me her position of imposing an income tax on retirement income. If you live in her district, why don’t you contact her?)
Senator McConnaughay’s Legislative Update: November 6, 2015
Additionally, as Gov. Bruce Rauner and the four legislative leaders are scheduled to meet on Nov. 18, I continue to remain hopefully and encouraged that progress will made to end this budget crisis.
Also during the week, a Reuters News Service report found that Illinois’ low bond ratings are having a negative impact on local governments’ ability to build or expand facilities; two state fiscal reports show very bleak economic results; and the state mourns the passing of retired Chief Justice Thomas Fitzgerald. My thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the Chief Justice and his family.
As always, I hope you will contact me or my office with questions or concerns you may have.
Sincerely,
Karen McConnaughay
State Senator for the 33rd District
Legislative session and leaders’ meeting scheduled
November 10 and 18 are two key dates that legislative observers will be watching closely as Illinoisans await a final resolution to the state’s ongoing budget impasse. Legislators return to the Capitol Nov. 10 for what would normally be a fall Veto Session, but the “continuous” session has produced a very abnormal working climate in Springfield. Senate Republicans continue their call for the state to enact a balanced budget and pass critical reforms needed to boost Illinois’ economy and create more jobs.
Reuters: Illinois fiscal woes cost local governments
Illinois’ bond rating, which hovers slightly above “junk” status, is now being credited for stalling out local government work. Multiple school districts across the state are feeling the effects of Illinois’ failure to follow through on promises of state construction monies. The Reuters report highlights Algonquin District 300’s inability to finish its construction on the unit’s new facilities.
Illinois Comptroller releases First Quarter Report
Illinois Comptroller Leslie Munger’s office issued its Fiscal Year 2016 First Quarter report.
In the report, the “general fund payables” increased by more than $825 million versus the same quarter for the previous fiscal year. More importantly, Illinois started the new fiscal year with a checking account deficit of $3.013 billion, which does not bode well for the remainder of the fiscal year which ends in June.
COGFA reports show mixed economic signals
The legislative Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability produced its October report, and the results are mixed. Illinois’ economic expansion was slowed during the month and as a result, the percentage of growth in the Gross Domestic Product fell to 2 percent for the year. During the summer months, Illinois’ economic output was hovering just shy of a healthy four percent.
Former Chief Justice passes
The Illinois Supreme Court and the legal community are mourning the passing of retired Chief Justice Robert Fitzgerald, who passed away Nov. 1 at the age of 74.
Chief Justice Fitzgerald was most recently known for presiding over the Illinois Senate’s trial of impeached former Governor Rod Blagojevich. His supervision of the Senate trial led to the removal of Blagojevich on Jan. 29, 2009, and thus banning the former Governor from ever seeking office in Illinois again.
Click here to read more about Sen. McConnaughay’s legislative intern program!
In this month’s Human Trafficking Heroes Spotlight, Sen. McConnaughay recognizes the efforts of The Dreamcatcher Foundation. An organization that aims to end human trafficking in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. Learn more about this incredible organization by clicking here or on the icon above!
November is National Diabetes Awareness Month! Click here for more information on how you can spread awareness!