Dear Friend,
Last week I provided you with details related to the recent news that Illinois has taken in $1.5 billion more in tax revenues than was previously expected. I joined my fellow House Republicans for a press conference to urge the General Assembly to use the largesse to pass a balanced FY 2020 budget without any new tax increases. I also joined several of my colleagues this week, along with House Republican Leader Jim Durkin, to lay out the details of the House Republicans’ plan to pass a no-new-taxes budget.
In addition, I joined several House Republican members and rose on the House floor to make the point that Illinois must act fiscally responsible with any new revenues that we were not expecting. Illinois must take positive steps to pay off overdue bills and increase our credit rating. Currently, the Comptroller’s office is sitting on almost 85,000 unpaid bills. As of this morning, our unpaid bills amount to an eye popping $7,369,785,355.12. More than $7.3 Billion, with a B.
If we can pay healthcare providers, schools, mental health care partners, and pay down some interest and late penalties (which costs the State about $1 billion a year), those facilities can employ more people and provide better services to our citizens.
Illinois has a long way to go to dig out of the massive financial hole we are in. But this week there was more good news. Good decision making must follow. I urge the Democrats to be restrained and make a common sense choice when it comes to the ‘extra’ revenue we have.
Ultimately, creating more taxpayers, not more taxes, will be the key to Illinois’ financial recovery. The only way to do that is to create an economic environment that will provide good paying jobs for citizens in the most economically blighted regions of our State. But a journey of 1000 financial miles can begin with some responsible first steps in the final 13 days we have left before the May 31st deadline. STAY TUNED
Summer Reading Program Kicks Off this Month!
This summer, I will be promoting literacy and the
importance of reading for enjoyment by hosting my first ever “I Heart Reading”
Summer Reading Program! Challenges 1st through 5th graders to read 8 books
during their summer break. Books for local library programs are also acceptable
and books over 150 pages may count for 2 books.
Once a student completes the book reading, please fill out the form and have a parent or guardian verify that the books were read. Completed forms should be sent to State Representative Patrick Windhorst at 2 N. Vine Street, Suite 5A, Harrisburg, IL 62946.
Students reading at least 8 books will be awarded an official certificate from the Illinois House of Representatives recognizing their commitment to reading. Please return this form by Tuesday, July 31 to be eligible and contact Rep. Windhorst at (618) 294-8703 with any questions!
Senior Citizen Health Fair in Carbondale
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The Session is quickly approaching its end, and with so much left to do, the action will happen at a blinding pace. Please stay tuned to this space each week for news from Springfield and more. My office in Harrisburg is located at 2 N. Vine, Suite 5A and is open -from 8:30 to 4:30 Monday through Friday. You can reach us at 618-294-8703.