To the editor:
Why is Illinois' budget so important?
What business providing high-paying jobs will want to risk moving to Illinois with the current financial crisis? Without a sound financial base, the state cannot provide a constructive environment for existing businesses to grow and expand, and new businesses to move to our state.
In theory, the Illinois state budget must be balanced. The reality is that Illinois' budget is awash in red ink, resulting in a $13 billion deficit. Furthermore, the state's pension plans are $81 billion dollars in debt. School and local government officials, and medical providers are telling me the state is six months behind in making its payments to them. The respected think tank, Illinois Policy Institute, recently listed millions of dollars in wasteful spending in Illinois in the last few years. This out-of-control and wasteful spending must stop.
Why is all this important? When people are working, they are buying houses, cars and other goods, which is good for our economy. A healthy economy means more revenue for the state.
The state of Illinois must wisely and carefully reduce spending to help balance the budget. I know tough decisions will have to be made, but they are necessary to get Illinois' financial house in order.
Raising taxes and fees at this time is the last thing that should be done, because it will hurt Illinois families by cutting their budgets. The first critical step that needs to be taken to solve the current budget crisis is to control spending. Jobs will come to Illinois when the state's budget problem is brought under control.
Dwight Kay
Candidate for State Representative
112th District