THE JOURNAL & TOPICS NEWSPAPERS | THURSDAY, AUGUST 14, 2008
Letters To Our Editor
No Time For A Pay Raise
Editor, Journal:
This is no time for a legislative pay raise. Too many Illinois families are facing financial hardships where one person has a job, but there isn't enough income to pay for basic expenses like the mortgage or rent, utilities, gas to get to work or health care.
Private sector wages have declined almost 4 percent over the last year alone and as many as three in every ten workers can't save a dime for retirement. In the midst of these difficulties, we in the public sector have special responsibility to manage state government efficiently and effectively, while doing all we can to improve the quality of life for the people of this state.
That is why I opposed the legislative pay raise from the beginning, co-sponsored a resolution, along with State Sen. Susan Garrett, to stop it and donated a portion of my salary for an educational scholarship.
Establishing and maintaining public faith in state government requires that we in Springfield hold ourselves to a higher standard of accountability. That means leading by example and demonstrating to the people of our district and beyond that I understand the plight of working families and small businesses.
I will continue to stand up and oppose the pay raise as long as Illinoisans are struggling and the services they need are being cut.
Dan Kotowski, State Senator, 33rd District
Signing Of Campaign Ethics Bill A Must
Editor, Journal:
Governor Blagojevich: sign the ethics bill now!
The Illinois House of Representatives and State Senate passed HB 824 which bars state officials from accepting campaign donations from any business which has state contracts with their office. The legislation would begin to ban the "pay to play" game so strongly played by this governor. However, he has not signed the bill and while it sits on his desk he holds fundraisers to continue to collect monies from the very businesses the legislation is meant to bar.
Now, he says he will consider signing the bill if the legislature will pass his capital plan. These are totally separate issues and cannot be joined together in any way.
In order to begin to re-establish trust with the Illinois people, it is necessary to start with ethic laws that earn respect. The Illinois Legislature cannot govern without the support of its citizens.
This bill must be signed into law.
Christine K. Prochno, Elk Grove Trustee, Republican Candidate, Illinois House 66th District