Brady Says Governor Ignores Real Challenges Facing Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Bill Brady said Governor Quinn proposed about a half billion dollars of new spending in his State of the State address Wednesday while ignoring the major budgetary problems facing Illinois.

“It reminds me of ‘Groundhog Day,’ the movie. It’s the same event every year, and unfortunately I think we are looking at more winter," Brady said.  "I don’t think he has grasped the real difficulties we face in Illinois.  Not once did he say how he was going to pay for these new programs.  Not once did he mention an apology to the vendors that are owed billions of dollars in unpaid bills that have put them at hardship. He gave lip service to some minor tax breaks after he imposed the single largest tax increase ever on families and businesses – a 67 percent tax increase that has hurt jobs and leaves us in the unenviable position of being one of the worst states in the nation when it comes to unemployment.

“While other states have grown jobs and reduced their unemployment rolls, Illinois has lagged far behind. I didn’t hear much in his speech that leads me to believe he is willing to do the tough work that needs to be done to put Illinois truly on the right track,” Brady said. “He says we are on the right track, but if you ask those families who are dealing with unemployment and can’t make their mortgage payments, they would not agree that we are on the right track.”

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As we gather around the Thanksgiving table this week with families and friends, let’s all take time to remember the many blessings we enjoy,  as Americans have since 1863 when President Lincoln declared a national day of thanksgiving.

Let’s be thankful for the American men and women in uniform, many who are half a world away from their families and friends defending democracy and our freedom.

Let’s remember our neighbors who are facing hardships and  struggling in these days of economic distress and job uncertainty.  Let’s try to remember the spirit of caring, helping and reaching out to those in need year round.

Let’s try to accomplish something that will help a neighbor and improve the lives of others, thereby enriching our own lives.

Let’s be thankful for our family and our friends, those people who cheer our good times and sustain us in times of challenge.

Nancy and I, along with Katie, William and Duncan, wish you and your families the happiest of Thanksgiving Days.

Happy Thanksgiving!

September 8, 2011

Senator Bill Brady issued the following regarding Governor Quinn’s plan to close seven state facilities and lay off more than 1,900 state employees:

“We should share the burden of balancing the budget and reducing spending throughout state government, rather than targeting some of our state’s most vulnerable citizens.

“We need a systematic, well-reasoned approach to reducing the state’s budget, which we must do, but the Governor has chosen a quick fix that will disrupt the care patients and their families receive in our mental health and developmental disability facilities and further strain an already overcrowded prison system.

“The savings from the Quinn proposed layoffs and facility closings today would amount to less than a quarter of one percent of the state’s operations budget.  He could undoubtedly find the same $55 million in savings by looking for waste and inefficiencies in his administration or by eliminating non-essential programs.”

The facilities slated for closing by the Governor are:

• Chester Mental Health Center
• Singer Mental Health Facility in Rockford
• Mabley Mental Health Center in Dixon
• Jacksonville Developmental Center
• Tinley Park Mental Health Center
• Logan Correctional Center in Lincoln
• Illinois Youth Center in Murphsyboro

Senator Bill Brady

With Sen. Larry Bomke

Rep. Rich Brauer and Rep. Raymond Poe

invites you to join him

for beverages, burgers and brats

at his annual and free

Illinois State Fair Republican Day Open House

August 18, 2011

2 – 4 p.m.

Sangamon County Republican Party Headquarters

1132 E. Sangamon Avenue, Springfield

(just east of the Fairgrounds’ Main Gate) 

June 27, 2011

State Senator Bill Brady (R., Bloomington) issued the following statement on the conviction of former Governor Rod Blagojevich on 17 counts of wire fraud, extortion and bribery.

“I believe our state will grow stronger as a result of the conviction of Rod Blagojevich today.  Rod Blagojevich abused the office of Governor and made every attempt to capitalize on his public office for personal and political benefit.

“His overwhelming conviction today should serve as yet another reminder that public officials are in office to serve the public and not their own personal interests and ambitions.  We have made some progress in ending pay-to-play politics in Illinois, but the decision today underscores the need for us in government to continue our work to earn the trust and confidence of our citizens.”

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