February E-Newsletter

     Legislators in both the House and Senate passed House Bill 656 which includes a regional sales-tax increase and a planned boost in Chicago’s real estate transfer tax. The plan proposes to generate an estimated $535 million into the Regional Transit Authority, Pace, Metra and the Chicago Transit Authority. The cornerstone of that plan includes a .25 sales tax increase in Cook County and a .50 percent sales tax increase in the Collar Counties.

     The tax in the collar counties, a quarter of the half percent goes back to the County Boards for their sole use to spend on Transportation and Public Safety. The County does not have to vote on the tax increase, no public input was received and this tax will be levied in your town with no guarantee your community will receive any of this money back for local needs.

     While I am glad that a solution was reached and a devastating mass transit shutdown was averted, I believe there were other proposals on the table that would have funneled money into public transportation without raising taxes on residents who are already facing higher costs at the gas pumps, the grocery stores and in their own homes.

     With the country facing recession, my hope is that the legislature will continue to discuss ways in which we can provide a sound comprehensive jobs and infrastructure improvement program that will help communities statewide address road, bridge and school improvements.

Governor Signs Crucial Budget Implementation Bill

     A budget implementation bill authorizing state spending for school districts, human services and countless other state agencies has been signed by the Governor.

     The General Assembly reviewed the measure again when the Governor ”after waiting two months” placed an amendatory veto on the measure. The bill was passed swiftly in both chambers this past month.

     Typically, budget implementation bills, or BIMP bills are passed when the budget is finalized. Without the BIMP bills, schools and human service agencies were receiving state aid based on last year's funding levels because those entities were not getting increases that were supported in the budget. Now that the BIMP has been passed, Illinois schools will be able to take advantage of more than $300 million in new general state aid funding that was passed in this year's budget. More than 725 school districts stood to lose general state aid due to delays in passing the bill.

Birthday Wishes

     This past month, I was honored to celebrate the birthday of Caroline Barrett who turned 102 on Jan. 14. At a small birthday party held in West Chicago, my office presented her and her family an official birthday certificate from the General Assembly congratulating this significant occasion in her life. Congratulations, Caroline! 2007

Legislative Survey Results

     Here are some interesting results that were compiled from those of you who filled out last year's legislative online survey. Take a look at what some of your neighbors had to say on the following issues:

• 67 percent said they would NOT support using taxpayer money to provide healthcare to all uninsured Illinois residents.
• 67 percent said they did NOT favor an increase in taxes on businesses!
• However, at least 50 percent said they would favor an income tax increase for additional education funding if the plan also promised some property tax relief * 67 percent said they were in favor of additional requirements for teens to qualify for driver’s licenses.
• It was split down the middle on the issue of requiring pre-teens to be inoculated with a new vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. The other half said the state should just require the state to distribute information on the new vaccine.
• 67 percent said guns are a menace to society and more dramatic steps should be taken to ban handguns.

Thank you to all who took the time to put their thoughts into this survey which "brings me to my next point". 

NEW 2008 Legislative Survey

     A new survey is ready and I hope to get more responses on several issues that are currently facing our state. The survey link is available either by going to my website www.randyramey.org or by clicking on this link.

Women's Advisory Committee

     The Women's Advisory Committee will meet again at a date yet to be determined in March. Watch the newsletter for information on the next meeting.

     As always, please continue to give me your feedback on these issues or any others by e-mailing (staterepramey55@aol.com) or by calling my district office (630) 876-0703. You can also find more information about legislative issues or get added to the Email E-newsletter list by visiting www.randyramey.org.

Warmest regards,
Randy Ramey
State Representative 55th District