Dear Friend,
This was another turbulent year in Illinois. Though the 96th General Assembly’s first order of business was to impeach and remove former Gov. Rod Blagojevich from office, many lawmakers strove to move past the unfortunate and embarrassing event.
I viewed this session as a new beginning, and was hopeful that lawmakers could once again work together and revive an atmosphere of bipartisanship. In some respects, we were able to accomplish that goal. In particular, Republicans and Democrats worked together to negotiate the first capital construction program in 10 years, which will create jobs and finance much-needed improvements to our transportation infrastructure.
Unfortunately, the state’s Democrat leaders were still unable to negotiate a fiscally-responsible budget to finance state government. The budget impasse extended into July, and ultimately I voted against the Fiscal Year 2010 budget—which once again relies on state borrowing without making much-needed, money-saving reforms. Furthermore, I have not, and never will, vote to rob public pension funds to expand state-subsidized health care.
I was also hopeful that lawmakers would finally approve ethics reform that would impose tough restrictions on elected officials, and address the pervasive atmosphere of corruption that continues to haunt Illinois. Unfortunately, the measure that was approved had been opposed by all major reform groups, including the Illinois Reform Commission, Change Illinois and the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform.
Despite this, I was pleased that we were able to pass some significant reforms targeting “pay-to-play” abuses, increasing transparency and disclosure of state contracts, expanding Freedom of Information authority, and improving financial transparency and ethics. These are positive changes that will increase accountability and transparency in state government.
Though there were some positive things to come out of this spring session, there is still more that we must accomplish.
Illinois will face many obstacles in the coming months. As always, I will be an advocate for integrity and fiscal responsibility in Illinois government. Please take a moment to peruse my Web site to find out more about how I am working for you in Springfield.
Many thanks for allowing me to serve you as an Illinois State Senator!
Very truly yours,
Kirk Dillard
|
|
Office
Westmont
One South Cass Ave.
Westmont, IL, 60559
630.969.0990
Springfield
103 State Capitol
Springfield, IL 62706
217.782.8148
|
