Day of Reckoning in Legislature for Politicians, State

Consider today a day of reckoning for the Legislature, a day when their actions will tell voters whether politics or the people take precedence.

So far, lawmakers and Gov. Rod Blagojevich have been able to avoid a day of reckoning through budget extensions, last-minute deals and creative accounting.

But even the best juggler can only keep so many objects in the air before things start to fall.

Without passage of a budget implementation bill to authorize spending money at levels approved in the budget, more than 700 school districts will see reductions in the state aid payments this month.

Without passage of some sort of assistance for the Chicago-area transportation system, a “doomsday” plan will take effect Sunday involving route reductions, fare increases and layoffs.

At stake in the education funding issue are increases in the foundation level of per-pupil funding and in the reimbursement rates for special education personnel.

Although some school districts may be able to weather delays in payments, if the higher levels are eventually implemented, others could be in dire straits.

And none would have to be worrying about this if the governor and Legislature had done their jobs instead of bickering all summer and into the fall.

As for the Chicago-area transit situation, disruptions in service there – and the resulting economic damage – could have a ripple effect across the state. In addition, more people on the road would mean a higher demand for gasoline and likely higher prices statewide.

State Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, is pessimistic about a resolution of the situation because of the “lack of leadership” from the governor.

Both Brady and state Sen. Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, point to a lack of trust.

Brady said Senate President Emil Jones backed out of an agreement to allow a Senate vote to override the governor’s amendatory veto of the budget. Rutherford noted the need for signed agreements on how money will be spent and when it will be released.

State Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington, said the rank-and-file members of both parties need to stand up and say this current situation can’t continue.

But he concedes that, although people have joined together across party lines in the House, it is more difficult in the Senate because of the way Jones operates there.

If this impasse continues, it is likely to affect the political futures of Blagojevich, Jones and Madigan.

Maybe that threat will be enough to get the trio to set aside their differences. So far, their detrimental effect on the state’s future – and its present – hasn’t inspired them to change.

(c) 2007 Pantagraph. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.