|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issue: 1017 Date: 2/18/2010
|
|
Focus on Illinois: Senator Clayborne Discusses Illinois Budget and 2010 Priorities
|
|
|
|
 |
| Illinois Senate Assistant Majority Leader James Clayborne, Jr. (D-Belleville) |
|
|
On December 18th Illinois Senate Assistant Majority Leader James Clayborne, Jr. (D-Belleville), was the guest speaker at the RCGA's Illinois Public Affairs Committee meeting, where he discussed the very difficult budgetary challenges facing the State. A recent report by Illinois Comptroller Dan Hynes estimates that Illinois faces a $11 billion shortfall for 2010, more than 20% of its general fund. The state already owes $5.1 billion in upaid bills to health care facilities, educational institutions, and social service agencies.
Senator Clayborne said the State needs to be more efficient in its expenditures. He also expressed concern that Illinois cannot afford unfunded federal mandates, and recommended that the General Assembly work in a bipartisan fashion to solve the State's fiscal crisis. He does not think a tax increase will be passed in 2010, making additional budget cuts and borrowing likely.
Aside from the budget, Sen. Clayborne's top priorities for the 2010 legislative session are to ensure southwestern Illinois capital projects stay at the forefront for funding under the 2009 Capital Bill, pass the STAR (Sales Tax And Revenue) Bonds legislation he sponsored last year, and expand the New Markets Tax Credit program, all of which are also top priorities for the RCGA.
|
|
|
|
