In Illinois: Three Legislators on How to Close a Budget Gap
"We need mathematicians in Springfield," said Gov. Pat Quinn at a recent speech before fellow Democrats in Winnetka, Ill.
Because the $1 billion in federal stimulus money earmarked for education ends June 30, the current budget battle in Springfield revolves around how to restore this lost money and continue to fund schools in Illinois. But when lawmakers return to Springfield to finish the budget later this month, they will also be faced with the problem of how to make a nearly $4 billion state worker pension payment. What to do?
Gov. Quinn wants to borrow to cover the pension payment, and says he will fight for the borrowing measure he feels is needed to free up money to prevent cuts in education.
Quinn also touts the recent passage of the "largest pension reform bill in Illinois." Savings of $220 billion over the next generation may sound like a lot, but in relation to total state pension liabilities is a small start, and doesn't do much right now to close the pressing budget gap.
Gov. Quinn's almost-pick for running mate in November, state senator Susan Garrett (29th district) had some cost cutting ideas of her own. Sen. Garrett suggested, "Let's start by reviewing all state contracts. Illinois OMB director David Vaught thinks we can save $300 million right away by taking a look at this. Computer contracts at $375 per hour? Chicago CEO's have wanted to audit state contracts for years, but no one is letting them in."
In addition, U. S. Congressman Mark Kirk (10th district) and Senate hopeful in the mid-term elections is calling for the restoration of the line-item veto. Fiscal conservatives have long wanted the president to have the authority to veto individual spending line items. Kirk says this is the kind of "small systematic reform" needed to control federal spending.
