Dear Neighbor:
Tomorrow we head back to Springfield for the start of this year's legislative session. The overwhelming issue we must address is balancing the State's budget. Our unfunded pension liabilities are $80 billion, our backlog of unpaid bills is over $5 billion, and the projected deficit for next fiscal year is over $12 billion, close to 50% of our $26 billion general revenue fund budget. Among the 50 states, only California is in worse shape.
I will continue to fight for good public policy over politics in the budget negotiations. We must make difficult decisions to reduce the state's expenditures and identify new, progressive revenues to restore fiscal integrity. The financial gimmicks and borrowing must stop.
Additional legislative priorities for me this year are:
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Closing the campaign finance loophole. I have a bill that will limit what leaders can give to candidates in the general elections as well as in primary elections.
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Equal marriage. I have begun meetings with advocacy groups to develop a comprehensive strategy to add Illinois to the list of states that do not discriminate against LGBT couples regarding marriage.
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Nursing home improvements. I am working with the ACLU and numerous nonprofit advocacy groups to get a comprehensive set of reforms that will improve care for our elderly and mentally ill residents in nursing homes.
I will continue to provide updates throughout the legislative session. Please contact me at 773-769-1717 or at hsteans@senatedem.ilga.gov with any questions or comments. I value your feedback.
Best regards,
Heather Steans
State Senator |
