On Tuesday, April 16, 2019, the Community Room at the Morrison, IL, Odell Public Library filled with curious citizens interested in hearing a legislative update from Senator Neil Anderson and Representative Tony McCombie. Both legislators are fresh off of new election terms and using their recess days to make contact with the communities of their districts. A “Coffee and Conversation” format allows [Senator Anderson and Representative McCombie] opportunities to answers the questions that voters offer.
In opening comments, both noted that they intend to schedule more “in session” visits to their respective districts, versus the traditional “end of session “visits. They urged all voters to “Do your homework,” before casting a vote on the ballot of the November Amendment, initiating a graduated income tax. Many parts of the amendment affect various income levels differently….All voters need to be educated, because the passing will affect the entire tax system.
Questions varied, from the new emphasis on Scott’s Law to the research that shows increased Methylphenidate (Ritalin) usage; from casino gambling law to a minimum wage for teachers.
The minimum wage questions [caused] additional inquiries on educational funding. Anderson clarified that the $40,000 minimum [salary] includes benefits, and it “shouldn’t affect most districts.” McCombie added the concern that school funding issues have a real possibility of forcing more school consolidations, especially in the Southern Illinois area.
Concern about the improvement of Route 30 was fielded by Anderson. [He explained] that an increase in Motor Fuel Taxes may be on the horizon. He explained that currently the Motor Fuel Tax allocation [gives] 45% to IDOT and 55% to local municipalities. Forty percent of the aforementioned 55% goes to Chicago, and the remaining 60% must be used for the rest of the State of Illinois. Concern surfaced [about] the State being controlled by the Democratic machine centralized in Chicago.
Both legislators reminded all in attendance of the importance of everyone casting a vote at election time. The imbalance in Springfield exists because of the 118-member House of Representatives. Only 44 are Republicans, and the Senate seats only 19 Republicans of the 59 total chairs.
Anderson felt the upcoming vote on a legalizing marijuana tax will pass, and he wants “a seat at that table.” His preference is that the number one use of such a tax would be [to] spen[d it] on reducing the current State debt. Gun control wasn’t left out of the discussion. Anderson strongly felt the Judicial system was too lenient when sentencing proven gun traffickers. He wanted Judges and States’ Attorneys to “hold more people accountable.”
In closing, both legislators used the word “hope” in their comments. McCombie noted her success in supporting the DCFS Bill that made it through the House, protecting the “front line workers.” She thought the recently approved 2020 budget was a good first step in increasing support for our schools. Anderson expressed his pride in getting the property tax exemption for disabled veterans passed and noted that the Senate really does work well together….That is [demonstrat]ed by the fact that 90% of all Bills are passed unanimously.