BURRIS SCANDAL UNDERSCORES NEED TO LET VOTERS DECIDE

As the scandal surrounding Roland Burris’ appointment to the United States Senate deepens, I join with my Republican legislative colleagues in renewing the call to allow Illinois citizens to choose their U.S. Senator through a special election.

Senate Bill 285 has been introduced to ensure all future U.S. Senate seat vacancies in Illinois would be filled by a special election, within 115 days of the seat being vacated. The bill would also enact a one-time only special election to coincide with the consolidated April 7, 2009, election and a special general election to be scheduled for May 26, 2009.

Senator Burris clearly has put Illinois in a “trick box” here with statements that contradict each other, particularly about the “pay-to-play” scandal that resulted in the impeachment, conviction and removal from office of former Governor Rod Blagojevich. If we are truly going to move Illinois forward, we have to eliminate corruption and put forward laws and leaders who rise above that. Until we do that, we are going to have a very difficult time attracting business investment in our state, which is the real solution to our economic problems.

The best way to cleanse the stain of “insider politics” is to let Illinois citizens elect the next U.S. Senator.
We need to let the people of Illinois make this decision, and the sooner the better. I don’t think we can afford to allow Roland Burris to continue as our U.S. Senator. We will just continue to wallow in corruption and “pay-to-play.” By putting the people first, by putting integrity before personal political gain, we can work to restore Illinois’ image.

Senate Bill 285 was filed in the Senate on February 6 and was assigned to the Senate Executive Committee on February 18.

BRADY NAMED TO SENATE COMMITTEES, REAPPOINTED AS SPOKESMAN

I have been asked to continue my responsibilities as Republican Spokesperson for the Insurance Committee, as well as serve as a member of the Energy, Environment, Pensions and Investments, and Revenue committees for the 96th General Assembly.

Six and a half years of “tax-and-spend” government, coupled with an economic slow-down, has left our state in a mess. The state budget will be the driving force of the coming legislative session, and the issues that are debated by these committees will all have a bearing on our future challenges. I look forward to working with my colleagues to turn our state around.

The Insurance Committee examines legislation affecting the insurance industry and policy holders.

The Energy Committee reviews legislation that affects power and utilities issues.

The Environment Committee handles legislation that addresses recycling and the environment.

The Pensions and Investments Committee oversees laws affecting the five state pension systems for public employees and local government pension funds.

The Revenue Committee considers legislation involving the Illinois tax code and tax-related issues.

The Senate’s 28 standing committees analyze legislation dealing with specific subject areas, such as education, agriculture and transportation. Committees screen legislation introduced by all members and usually, only those bills approved by a committee may be considered by the entire Senate.