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Springfield Update
As you probably know, this last week was a wild ride
at the state capitol! And the
constitutional amendment to allow for recall provided some fascinating
political theater.
A constitutional amendment requires a 3/5 majority
vote by both the House and Senate and approval by voters at an election. This Sunday, May 4 is the deadline for
legislative action to place an amendment on the ballot for November. With that date quickly approaching,
the pressure was on.
The House previously passed a constitutional amendment
that would allow for recall of all statewide officials as well as House and
Senate members. This week, the
Senate introduced its own version that included not only state officials but
also all county and municipal officials.
In addition, it tied the fate of the governor and lieutenant governor
together – if one was recalled, then they would both be recalled. After a lot of drama over whether the
House would be willing to stay in session all weekend to consider the Senate
proposal if it passed, it turned out that the Senate version failed (even
though our local senators all supported it) and the Senate then quickly
adjourned without considering the House version.
Like almost everyone, I am deeply disappointed by the
actions of our Governor. Recent
revelations in the trial of Tony Rezko are
extremely disturbing. But the
constitutional amendments being considered were not just aimed at this
administration. They would change
the constitution for all times.
And the history of recall in this country demonstrates that it is
typically driven by deep pocket special interests or multimillionaires
– not dissatisfied citizens.
Furthermore, the threat of recall diminishes the likelihood that
elected officials will be bold leaders – and there is already a belief
that our elected officials lack backbone. As Alexander Hamilton said “The
recall will render the senator a slave to all the capricious humors among the
people.” So while I am not
a defender of our current Governor, I do not feel that recall is the answer
and I voted against the proposal constitutional amendments.
Illinois American Water Rate Hikes
It has come to my attention that Illinois American
Water is proposing another rate increase before the Illinois Commerce
Commission. Last year in March,
IL American Water increased its rates for water and sewer for many customers
around Illinois, including many of you residing in House District 57.
If you are paying your water or sanitary sewer bill to
IL American Water, I encourage you to go online to www.icc.illinois.gov and voice your
concerns and comments about a rate increase. You can also call the ICC Informal
Complaint Line at 1-800-524-0795.
Right now, the ICC plans to hear the case at the end of May, and pending
its decision, customers could see an increase an soon as July of 2008.
Rentbetter.org:
A Voucher Lottery for Those in Need of Low Income Housing
Through a new state program funded by a $10 fee on the
recording of deeds, mortgages and other legal documents, low and
moderate-income families will have an opportunity for rent relief on the
housing of their choice. Through RentBetter, also known as the
Chicago Housing Choice Voucher program, 40,000 residents will be chosen to be
on a Wait List for vouchers that will allow them to pay only 30 to 40% of
their adjusted income in rent for housing in the private market.
To get on the Wait List, individuals or families must
register for a lottery; registration is now open and closes on May
15th. In late May, 40,000 names will be randomly chosen for the Wait
List. As vouchers become available, those on the list will be contacted
to determine if they still need housing and meet the income requirement and
other criteria. Voucher holders can use the voucher toward rent on
their existing housing, provided the rent meets program guidelines and the
housing passes an inspection or they can find another apartment, town home,
or house in the private market. Eligibility for RentBetter
depends on total family income, and income limits are revised annually;
current limits range from about $26,000 a year for an individual to $50,000 a
year for a family of 8. Please
visit www.rentbetter.org or call
1-312-786-3676 for more information.
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