With less than two weeks before Governor Pat Quinn unveils his first budget, Senator Bill Brady is calling on state leaders to concentrate more on spending restraint and cuts before caving to pressure to increase taxes.

“The state’s budget seems to be getting more scrutiny early on than in years past; however, the tax increase drumbeat seems to be getting louder,” Senator Brady said. “It is imperative that we focus much more on reining in spending instead of asking taxpayers for even more money.”

The 44th District Senator said he was encouraged when legislative leaders created a bipartisan Committee on Deficit Reduction last month to examine the budget and determine what options there are to address a crushing deficit estimated to top $11 billion next year.

“The first meeting on March 4 – focusing on education spending – quickly revealed a clear difference of approaches to the state’s deficit, however,” Senator Brady said. “The Committee’s Democrat members seemed more focused on tax increases and building a case for more government spending. The Republican members were more interested in spending reforms and efficiencies.”

Senator Bill Brady welcomes Macon County 4-H students to the Capitol March 4. Seen here are (from left) Macon County Unit Educator Amy Leman, Senator Brady, Alyssa Philips, Evan Hall, Daniel New and Jarred Leeper. The students are 4-H ambassadors and came to Springfield to talk with their legislators.

STATE PARKS REOPEN

Several communities around the state received some long-awaited good news February 26 when Governor Pat Quinn announced the reopening of seven state parks.

Despite protests from the public and lawmakers, the parks were closed by former Governor Rod Blagojevich in 2008.

This is great news. These are state assets and need to be enjoyed by the people of Illinois. Equally as important are the revenues they bring in – tourism dollars associated with businesses in communities surrounding the parks. I hope Governor Quinn is also able to do the same for our historic sites.

Governor Quinn’s February 26 announcement, at the Department of Natural Resources building in Springfield, officially started the process of reopening Castle Rock State Park and Lowden State Park in Oregon, Illini State Park in Marseilles, Hidden Springs State Forest in Strasburg, Moraine View State Park in Leroy, Weldon Springs State Park in Clinton, and Wolf Creek State Park in Windsor. Governor Quinn called Blagojevich’s decision to close the parks “a false economy.”