McConnaghay Reports

From State Senator Karen McConnaughay:

District 33: Highlights From Veto Session Week 1

The first week of fall veto session wrapped up Wednesday in Springfield, and as always, there were some surprises.

Though the legislative leaders met with the Governor to resume budget negotiations, unfortunately at this time, I must report that very little progress has been made toward an agreement on a balanced state budget and much-needed structural reforms to streamline state government and reduce our costs.

The stopgap budget was only a short-term solution to the state’s problems, and if an agreement isn’t forged by January 1, the spending authority for much of the budget will expire.

This means no more money is appropriated for the state’s already struggling colleges and universities, some human service providers, state vendors and operations (including utility bills for prisons and state facilities), and healthcare for state employees.

Karen McConnauhay on Comcast's Newsmakers.

Karen McConnauhay on Comcast’s Newsmakers.

It’s imperative we put aside partisan politics and pass a balanced budget and effective reforms to streamline state government and reduce our costs.

One bill that made an unexpected appearance this week was in the Senate Education Committee.

As a member of this committee, I learned more about legislation that would abolish the current members of the Chicago Board of Education and replace it with an elected school board.

While I was moved by the passionate witness testimony, it has been well-documented that CPS is struggling fiscally—and on the brink of bankruptcy.

I’m very concerned that making such a dramatic change without first addressing the school district’s dire financial situation may in fact dig CPS into deeper financial ruin.

While I appreciate the intention to give the Chicago taxpayers a greater role in choosing who makes the decisions impacting their schools and their children, lawmakers must present a more responsible alternative to gain the support it needs.

I’ll be heading back to Springfield when veto session resumes November 29 . There’s a great deal of work to do, so I encourage my colleagues across the aisle to come together and focus on mending our broken state.

As always, if you would like more information or to contact me, please visit my legislative website.

Best,

Karen McConnaughay
State Senator for the 33rd District

Budget negotiations ongoing

The first week of veto session ended without any real action on the state budget. The urgency to pass a responsible fiscal plan with associated, economy-boosting reforms was underscored by a state budget forecast that projected a $13.5 billion bill backlog without significant change to the status quo. Read more.

New Illinois license plates unveiled by Secretary of State

New Illinois License Plate

New Illinois License Plate

Have an old license plate? Then you may receive a new one soon. The Secretary of Secretary unveiled a new Illinois license plate this week that they will begin to distribute in January 2017. Read more.

Illinois veterans and service members encouraged to know their rights

It should go without saying that the service of Illinois veterans and servicemen and women should be honored—and their jobs should never be threatened by their commitment to serve. If you are a member of the military, or you know someone who is, you should know your rights. Read more.


Comments

McConnaghay Reports — 2 Comments

  1. Why don’t you elected brainiacs start using your head we all know the entire corrupted excess fat school system needs an overhaul so why don’t you force that non economic mayor and school system to hire out like well documented Chris Christi to come and work his magic on our city we know he fixed the atrocious system in his state a great feat in its self!

    Get that mayor to spend the wasted dollars he seems to be finding for police and Pay a Pro!

    Geezus is there anyone who knows anything about business?

    Too many sheep!

    No one thinks outta the box in this state unless it’s a way to screw the tax payer !

  2. It’s the pensions and the robbing of pension funds to pay for social welfare programs we cannot afford!

    It’s prevailing wage.

    It’s unions in the public sector.

    it’s the voters, who yet again, approved another change to our Constitution which we CANNOT afford!

    Add to the above the cost of ‘Sanctuary’!

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