$613,824, and we’re counting
The bill continues to climb, as Blago refuses to compromise on a state budget.
Posted by EditorThis is the estimated cost of keeping lawmakers in Springfield so far. Gov. Rod Blagojevich has ordered them to stay in overtime until they can give him a budget deal to his liking. Such things as lawmakers’ meals, housing and mileage can cost upward of $42,000 a day.
Job equivalent
15 teachers
Budget action
None, but a plan providing power bill relief was approved. Some lawmakers said they’d not consider a budget until a deal passed.
Attendance
House: 114 of 118 present on roll call
Senate: 50 of 59 on Senate floor at start of session
-Daily Herald
July 27th, 2007 at 10:47 am
Let the state government shut down . . . but when it opens up again, no make-up pay for those who got unscheduled days-off. That will help balance the budget.
The only thing I can think of that the state runs that absolutely needs to stay open are the prisons. County and local officers can handle other law enforcement. I think most people will be surprised at how little they need state government.
Until the national news media got through “spinning” it, most people barely noticed when the federal government shut down.
July 27th, 2007 at 7:05 pm
Thanks for the website. I hope it gets more voters to pay attention.
July 31st, 2007 at 11:26 am
Here’s a novel idea for our legislators.
1. For 1 year - pass a level funded budget - no new spending
2. For 1 year - no “Member Initiative” spending
3. For 1 year - no new hires anywhere
4. For 1 year - make sure all accounts receiveable are billed & collected on time.
The residents of IL will find out that there’s plenty of money without any tax increases, sales of state assets or any other wild ideas coming out of Springfield. Then our legislators will be scrambling to explain themselves and when they’re at risk of losing their constiuents and elections…
One can dream can’t one???