What He Really Meant Pt. 2
Two weeks ago the Governor made his budget address, here is what he really meant.
by Mark Cavers
Two weeks ago, Governor Quinn gave his budget address, over a seven day period, leading up to our own press conference for the release of our Budget Solutions 2012, we will be looking at what he said in his address and what he really meant.
Day 2
“Our commitment to taxpayers is simple: We will only use tax dollars to provide necessary state services. All unnecessary state spending will be eliminated.”
The Governor is making a very important point, there are some things that government should focus on doing well, core government services, and other things that the government really has no business being involved with. But, a quick look at Governor Quinn’s budget proposal reveals that not only does he refuse to cut unnecessary spending, but he actually increases it in a number of cases.
- His budget spends $9.47 million funding the Illinois Art Council, a 17% percent increase in funding over last year.
- The Governor calls for $58 million (55% above last year) in spending for the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, which last year spent $100,000 to celebrate Canada’s 4th of July, and $50,000 to increase awareness of Illinois and Chicago, in Ireland.
- He increases funding for the Illinois Commerce Commission by $1 million.
- His budget calls for hiring 945 new government workers.
- He hikes the Upper Illinois River Valley Development Authority’s budget by $2 million, a 669% increase over last year.
Rather than focusing on funding necessary government services, Governor Quinn’s budget is spending more money all over the place. Rather than fixing our broken schools, or presenting a budget that is balanced, the Governor insists on ignoring the real problems, instead opting to shower money on everything from the arts to more public employees.
On March 8th, the Institute will release an alternative, workable budget: Budget Solutions 2012. It will be balanced, sustainable, and it will cut unnecessary spending and focus government on effectively delivering core services.