Posted on 05/02/2012 1:54:18 PM PDT by mdittmar
Facing one of the nation's worst budget crises, the Democrats who run Illinois insist they're serious about overhauling the state's expensive health programs and employee pensions. Gov. Pat Quinn underscored his determination by declaring he was "put on earth" to solve the multi-billion-dollar pension problem.
But can the Democrats actually do it?
The effort will test whether a state infamous for emphasizing politics over policy and for finding budget shortcuts rather than long-term solutions can change its ways. It will require Democrats, in the middle of an election year, to deflect longtime union allies and to cut state money flowing to many of the urban wards that put them in office.
"I don't think my constituents realized the truly horrible choices we're going to have to make," said Rep. Greg Harris, a Democrat from Chicago.
State Medicaid and pension problems exploded nationwide when recession hit in 2008. The number of people eligible for government health care assistance jumped by 5.6 million and state retirement systems lost more than one-quarter of their total value, by some estimates.
Many states, particularly those led by Republicans, have taken drastic steps to fix their budgets, including cutting spending and requiring public employees to contribute more to their benefits. In some cases, the cutbacks triggered huge protests last year at state capitols by public employees and advocates for the poor.
(Excerpt) Read more at stltoday.com ...
We could also do with making the state less friendly to illegal immigrants...
“I don’t think my constituents realized the truly horrible choices we’re going to have to make,” said Rep. Greg Harris, a Democrat from Chicago.
“And we can’t blame it on George W. Bush.”
Who do you mean "We" Kemo Sabe? I'm all for it, but I don't control what happens here. Even voting in every election makes no difference. The state is controlled. They decide what happens, not "We".
Thank you for the link
Yes, then rename the state "Spain" and wait for North Dakota to bail them out.
Just speaking as a mere resident.
At this point, that's about all we can do. I live in a decidedly Republican county. My vote makes no difference, as those who represent us both at the state level and congressional have no overt power. My legislators are both Republican but in the minority. My congressman is Republican but the Senate overrides the House almost with impunity. My senator is Durbin. 'Nuff said.
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