Rod Blagojevich remains an embarrassment to our state and his sideshow antics over the last 18 months only highlight the unprofessional manner in which he conducted the serious affairs of Illinois. Had he been less concerned with the future of his political career and more concerned with the future of Illinois taxpayers, perhaps we wouldn't now be burdened with the worst fiscal crisis in memory."

As this case moves to the next step, I'm hopeful that the public's best interest will be served and careful consideration given to which charges to pursue in a retrial. The people of Illinois are eager for an end to this spectacle and a speedy retrial will get us nearer to closing the book on the reckless, selfish career of Rod Blagojevich."

- State Sen. Dan Cronin

Dear Friend:

I would like to wish each and every one of you a Happy Independence Day!  Please be safe and enjoy the weekend. Remember those serving who are protecting our freedoms and say a prayer for their safe return.

Those who had the courage to put their signature to a single sheet of parchment understood the import of what it might cost them personally. Signing America’s Declaration of Independence from British rule was considered an act of treason. Only a few brave men had the courage to align themselves with the campaign to break from the mother country. To those we again give thanks as we celebrate the birth of the greatest nation on Earth.

The Governor moves on the Budget

Given our current budget situation there is no question cuts need to be made.   However, the budget Governor Quinn signed into law and the cuts he announced yesterday are the result of a plan put together entirely by one party and even Speaker Madigan acknowledges it’s not balanced. Republicans were not consulted or asked to participate in putting this budget together by either the Governor or the Speaker of the House. We had reform proposals to control state spending, restore accountability, create jobs, and ideas for areas to cut that we attempted to have considered time and time again only to be blocked by Speaker Madigan and the Democrats.

House Democrats instead passed a budget built on borrowing that increases state spending by $4 billion.  They chose to abdicate their responsibility and simply gave the governor a big pot of money and extraordinary power to allocate or cut funding as he chooses.   What you need to know about Quinn’s plan is that it relies on money from that pension borrowing the Illinois Senate shows no interest in even considering and also $700 million in federal Medicaid funding that has not yet been approved by the U.S. Congress.

Yesterday Governor Quinn said he was cutting $1.4 billion from the budget, but only made reductions totaling $155 million.  Big questions remain about specifically what is being cut, and how he intends to pay the $6 billion in unpaid bills for FY 10 and those that will continue to come in for FY 11.  And of course, you need to ask will any of this actually happen.  Last year on July 31st he held a press conference announcing $1 billion in cuts – but failed to follow through.  Instead he simply chose not to pay the state’s bills.  By refusing to cut government bureaucracy, he has devastated private employers who do business with the state and those caring for our most vulnerable citizens.  The state now owes $6 billion in unpaid bills and it appears he is going to continue down that road making matters worse for providers who can’t survive without being paid what they are owed.

Earlier this year Governor Quinn said he would cut $1 billion from education unless lawmakers approved his income tax increase – today it appears he found a way to restore to those funds without a tax increase.  Yet he still used the opportunity yesterday to push his agenda of higher income taxes and excessive borrowing. Over the past eight years our general obligation debt has nearly tripled to $20 billion. We are already drowning in debt and can’t afford more.  In fact, instead of making promised cuts last year, Governor Quinn actually cut a deal with state employee unions to make sure they receive pay raises ranging from 1 percent to more than 7 percent while people in the private and other areas of the public sector are getting laid-off or taking pay cuts to help their employer stay afloat.

The mentally ill are being turned toward the street, services for the developmentally disabled are being cut, the elderly are trying to stay in their homes and out of nursing homes, and low-income college students struggle pay for a higher education because of a lack of funds.  How in the world can Governor Quinn rationalize $336.2 million in pay raises?
With one in ten Illinoisans out-of-work and our credit rating tied for worst in the nation - we owe the people we represent our best effort at solving our problems, but for the second straight year the Democrats have chosen to tell the Governor ‘you deal with it’ we are going home.

Please continue to give me your feedback on these issues or any others by e-mailingat staterepramey55@aol.com or by calling my district office (630) 876-0703. You can also find more information about legislative issues or get added to the Email E-newsletter list by visiting www.randyramey.org.

Warmest regards,

State Representative
55th District

DeMonte tapped Kovacevic based on her performance as Chairman of the DuPage Young Republicans. During her tenure Kovacevic was successful in rebuilding the DuPage organization and tripling its membership. Kovacevic was instrumental in establishing a working relationship between the DuPage YRs and YR organizations across the collar counties.

“She proved her effective leadership style while being the Chairman of the DuPage YR’s for two years” DeMonte said. “Amy believes that each person has a role in the party. She allows people to determine what role would be best for them. She is very approachable and listens. When I saw her conduct the DYR March 2010 GOP Party and meeting she stood with authority. She is inspirational and encourages teamwork.”

“This is an exciting opportunity to directly work with other Young Republican organizations across Illinois and promote the Republican message,” Kovacevic said. “This is an incredibly important election year for Illinois and the nation and we have the chance to make a big impact on the direction the state will take in the future. Working together the Young Republican groups can ensure we elect Republicans who will reduce taxes and limit the size of government. ”

Kovacevic will directly report the action plans of each YR organization to DeMonte. DeMonte encouraged each YR organization to adopt a candidate for the fall election. Doing so will provide an army of volunteers for thecandidates.

A former Production Analyst in the Printing Industry, Kovacevic is a Downers Grove Township Republican Committeewoman, immediate past president of the DuPage County Young Republicans and current Secretary of the Federation of Illinois Young Republicans. She has been involved in township and county Republican politics since she was nine-years old when she would accompany her father, also a township committeeman, to various GOP functions. A lifelong DuPage resident, Kovacevic resides in Downers Grove with her husband John and son Robert.

Dear friends,

This year’s session has been nothing but unpredictable. Instead of working in a bi-partisan manner to fix the state’s financial perils, the Democrats jammed a budget through the House and Senate that doesn’t include reform, doesn’t stop spending and doesn’t cut government waste.

Session adjourned last week with the Democrats passing an irresponsible budget that fails to address the serious issues facing Illinois.

The House Republican caucus met with Governor Quinn last year and offered ideas on how to fix the budget deficit all of which he ignored and instead created unnecessary crisis after crisis against human service agencies, college students and now the education community.

Then the Democrats gave us two choices – borrow more money or raise taxes. This is not the proper way to handle the state budget.

My Republican colleagues and I filed 80 bills to save taxpayer money, reform the state’s budget process and increase employment opportunities, all of which were denied by the House Democrats.

Emergency Budget

The Democrat members of the General Assembly voted for an emergency budget that fails to address the $13 billion deficit facing Illinois.

The emergency budget approved by the Democrat members of the General Assembly gives the Governor unprecedented power to decide how the money will be spent. It also further delays vendor payments. Current state law mandates bills left over from this year would need to be paid by August 31. However, the new bill awaiting the Governor’s approval would allow the state to wait until December 31, adding more financial pressure to the healthcare providers and businesses that have state contracts.

I voted against the measure because I do not believe Governor Quinn should have full power over the state’s finances because the past two years of his administration have been full of failed promises and flip-flopping on decisions. He has also said from the beginning that he wants to raise taxes instead of cutting the fat from the budget.

Pension Borrowing Bill

The House approved a pension borrowing plan that would make next year’s $3.7 billion payment to the pension systems. However, the measure stalled in the Senate because the Democrats, despite holding a super-majority, do not have enough votes to approve it.

I voted against the borrowing scheme because it does not solve the problem and only adds to the state’s deficit for future generations. It’s like taking one credit card to pay off another credit card.

Unless the Senate approves the borrowing measure, the money for pension payments will automatically be taken out of the state’s pot and more than likely from restricted state funds, ultimately putting more pressure on the budget.

We knew this was going to be the toughest budget year and would need to make hard choices, but borrowing more money is not the solution.

As always, feel free to contact me by emailing me at staterepramey55@aol.com or calling my district office at (630) 876-0703.

Warmest regards,

State Representative
55th District

U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk is calling for a federal investigation into the award of nearly $200,000 in no-bid contracts by Cook County Board President Todd Stroger.

Stroger approved eight separate no-bid contracts—each worth $24,995 —to “businesses” that did not exist until just before they received the awards. Four of the recipients used the same attorney to incorporate within days of receiving the contracts, a Fox News report said. Bids under $25,000 do not require county board approval.

“These reports indicate a pattern of misuse and mismanagement that warrant a full investigation,” Kirk said.

One of the contracts went to a modeling agency, and another went to a company called “Citymerge” run by rap artist and convicted felon Prentice Harris. One of the addresses on the Citymerge contract is a vacant lot, and another belongs to a homeowner who told reporters she didn’t know Harris and never heard of Citymerge, Kirk said in a press release.

Kirk said the Fox News report is troubling since it comes in the midst of an ongoing federal investigation of the county’s alleged misuse of Homeland Security funds for a program called “Project Shield.”

Fox Chicago News reported that county pays nearly $200,000 to a few companies to help publicize the U.S. Census. But there are questions about just what kind of work is happening - and if the companies exist. The county's inspector general is now probing those deals.

“The consensus is if we stay on message, work hard and work smart we could have a  repeat of 1994!  The scoop: we have a real chance to pick up nine seats in the U.S. Senate and win back the House. Several governorships should be pick-ups as well,” Demonte said.

Demonte said she was particularly energized by former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.

“He believes this is the most consequential election in American history due to our security and fiscal problems,” she said. “Our government is not functioning properly because it is not controlling our borders.”

Demonte said Gingrich, who was the architect of the Republican takeover in 1994, warned that it’s not about winning the election in November, but it’s about being accountable to the voters. She said Gingrich insisted the Republican Party must be a party that shows what it will do when it is back in power, as opposed to what it will not do. Gingrich said Republicans must “institutionalize good government,” she said.

Demonte said RNC leaders recommended each state set up a structure of legal experts and election experts to closely monitor the polls on election-day.

During the RNC meeting Demonte addressed the importance of Republican and conservative coalitions.

Empowering the coalitions is a key to Republican victory in November and beyond, she said.

“We can access these networks to spread our message, send out key talking points – get out information quickly.  The network connects activists with voters - and candidates with voters,” she said.

The key to Demonte’s plan is simple – focus on issues that unite Republicans, independents and conservative Democrats. Focusing on commonalities strengthens connections and translates into votes for Republican candidates, she said. With the help of the Republican National Committee Demonte provided training in communications and messaging to coalition members. Demonte said providing these tools means each member of the coalition becomes an effective communicator of the Republican message.

Demonte said her speech was well received and her strategy is being emulated in other states.

Special speakers at the meeting included Former Speaker of the House Newt

Gingrich, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, Congressman Pete

Sessions,  Senator John Thune, Governor Bob McDonald and political

consultant Frank Luntz.

Rabbi Isaac Jeret,  a former Democrat now turned Republican, also addressed

our group. Rabbi Jeret explained how the Jewish vote is in play,  with 50%

of the Jews who voted for Obama seriously looking at Repubican candidates.

Coalition building was also a major focus of the meeting. I was asked to

speak to the RNC membership on Ilinois' efforts to build grassroot

initiatives and the the importance of  this outreach in winning elections.

U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam and other House Republican leaders launched Project YouCut, an initiative designed to change the culture of spending in Washington to a culture of savings.

If Washington lawmakers do not change their fiscal habits it will endanger the future of this nation, Roskam said.

"Washington has long had a spending problem, but the recent parade of bailouts and bills with trillion dollar price tags have made it so we can no longer afford to delay decisions to cut spending and shrink the size of government. The tough and necessary choices are now on our doorstep, and they must be made in order to return America to its rightful place as the world's unquestioned economic leader,” Roskam said in a press release.

Project YouCut gives the people the power to pick the spending cut Republicans will fight for. People can cast their votes here or text YOUCU1 to 68398.

A DuPage Republican, Roskam said Project YouCut will empower the people to “answer the question of whether we leave future generations with greater opportunity, or a greater debt as they labor to pay the bills we left behind."

Coalition building in Illinois has become a model for the rest of the nation thanks to a program spearheaded by Republican National Committeewoman Demetra Demonte.

For eight months Demonte zigzagged across the Prairie State meeting with various Republican groups touting he plan. Demonte said she targeted Republican coalitions, like Young Republican organizations or Women’s groups, because those groups have established networks to share information and messages. Empowering the coalitions is a key to Republican victory in November and beyond, she said.

“We can access these networks to spread our message, send out key talking points – get out information quickly.  The network connects activists with voters - and candidates with voters,” she said.

The key to Demonte’s plan is simple – focus on issues that unite Republicans, independents and conservative Democrats. Focusing on commonalities strengthens connections and translates into votes for Republican candidates, she said. With the help of the Republican National Committee Demonte provided training in communications and messaging to coalition members. Demonte said providing these tools means each member of the coalition becomes an effective communicator of the Republican message.

Recognizing that the party has become somewhat fractured, especially with the rise of Tea Parties, Demonte said the coalitions are able to get the message into the communities and reach disenfranchised voters.

“If we can reach them with the right message via the right messenger we can win them back,” she said. “We can use the same strategy to attract those who have not traditionally voted with us.  People are more likely to listen to someone from their own group instead of a generic Republican.”

This week Demonte brought her plan to other members of the RNC during a spring meeting in Maryland.

“I have encouraged our team members to use their newly polished skills to spread the Republican Word – to speak of the Issues that Unite Us – to raise armies of volunteers – to mobilize around candidates and help them win. A new rallying cry was born: Adopt a candidate; Take back our state; Take back our country,” Demonte said during her address to the RNC Tuesday afternoon.

Demonte said she began the process with the names of only a few people who in turn led her to other people to network with.

“We connected with people on a personal level - we developed relationships and nurtured them. They climbed on board and convinced their members to join us, too. Our group has grown exponentially. It grows because it is fueled by a passionate desire to take back our state and county. People are afraid – not only for themselves – but for their children and grandchildren – and the country their children will inherit.  That is why they are coming forward –alive with energy- enthusiasm - in this very critical political moment,” Demonte said to the RNC.

In the last eight months Demonte received tremendous support from the RNC and the Illinois Republican Party. In fact, RNC Chairman Michael Steele is a big supporter of Demonte’s efforts. Last month Steele met with members of Demonte’s coalitions at The Drake Hotel in Chicago to encourage them and offer guidance in touting the Republican message. At the start of the RNC’s meeting this week Steele singled out Demonte’s efforts and said other states should look to Illinois as a model of coalition building.

The following is a column written by DuPage GOP Chairman Dan Cronin

The year 2010 may be an historical year for many reasons; some positive, some not so encouraging. A prolonged recession has wreaked havoc on homeowners, small businesses, corporations, government and every institution that relies on the fruits of capitalism for any measure of success. No one has been immune to the impact of this weakened economy.

Cynicism and frustration are widespread. A recent poll indicates that a whopping 80 percent of Americans do not trust the federal government. Nearly 2/3rds of Americans believe their taxes will increase over the next year. It’s estimated that the public debt will reach 90 percent of GDP in only ten years. Unemployment remains high, especially in Illinois, and underemployment is more than 20 percent.

Public distrust isn’t limited to government. People are wary of other industries such as banks and large corporations. Everywhere you turn, someone has a hand in your pocket. Americans have had enough. People across our state are rallying against higher taxes, spiraling debt and more government intervention.

The November elections look promising for Republicans, particularly here in Illinois. A silver lining in the dark cloud of public pessimism is that the fundamental ideals of the Republican Party are again gaining traction. After decades of unyielding government encroachment, most people now recognize that this is not the solution to the economic or political problems we now face.

But it isn’t enough for Illinois Republicans to capitalize on the dark mood of the current political climate. We need to do more. We need to say more. And we need to offer more. All of us must prove to wary voters that they should vote for Republicans not simply to oppose the other party, but because we have the ability to dramatically change the trajectory of our state and local government.

We can’t waste time defining the other side. Illinois voters are smart; they already know what the opposition has to offer and they aren’t persuaded. We need to spend the next six months telling voters why Republicans are fit to lead. What is the loose thread we will pull to unravel the unending seam of big government?

The mainstream media is fond of portraying Republicans as the “Party of No.” I suggest we become the “Party of Know.” Republicans know that lowering taxes and reducing the burden of government will boost the economy. Republicans know that more individual freedom will salvage the remains of a dispirited electorate. Republicans know that making promises we cannot keep are contrary to what Americans are all about.

Here in Illinois, the debate should be elevated above regional concerns. For too long, Illinois Republicans have been divided between suburban and Downstate interests. This is an opportune time to heal those differences and work collaboratively on the ideas that bring our voters together. The Republican ticket reflects every constituent group in our state, from Downstaters to suburbanites to women to minorities. We have a story to tell and the voters need to hear it.

On the second of each month, leading up to Nov. 2, this page will offer ideas about how we can ably win on Election Day. We should win based on principle and not power. I’m seeking to address the following:

• How to begin to reduce the size and cost of government;
• How to attract employers and create an environment conducive to economic growth;
• How to consolidate efforts to deliver services in a cost effective manner;
• How to involve new voters to the Republican Party.

Yes, it’s important for Republicans to win. But it’s important to win on the strength of our ideas, not the weakness of our opposition. We have a unique opportunity before us to fundamentally change the future of Illinois. There is no time to waste and I’m hopeful this roadmap will lead us in the right direction.