Dear Neighbor,

The last week of session was riddled with its usual drama as the budget and other important legislation was voted on in the final minutes.

The House and Senate without Republican approval passed a budget by the May 31 deadline to keep the state operating in the upcoming months. Even though that budget passed by the Legislature, the Governor has refused to sign it into law. Therefore, the state’s top leaders met in the past two weeks to work out a deal. I expect to be back in Springfield later this summer to tackle this issue.

Another financial concern, I voted against the Democrats income tax scheme. Instead of cutting spending, they wanted to raise the income tax rate by 50 percent on individuals (from 3 to 4 percent) while boosting the corporate income tax rate to the maximum allowed under the State Constitution (from 4.8 to 7.2 percent).

I cannot support new taxes on residents or businesses when we have yet to reduce government spending. Uncontrolled spending and new programs have riddled the state budget for the last six years. When our country is facing the worst financial situation since the Great Depression, I cannot support an income tax increase on hard-working families.

The only part of the budget that I supported was legislation to refinance the state’s debt at a lower interest rate, which allows the state to save hundreds of millions of dollars.

The House also approved legislation to allow residents to recall the governor. The Senate has yet to vote on it, but I believe it is a great start at tackling the abuses that have occurred in our state government. It also provides real checks and balances. It will give the citizens of Illinois the voice they deserve and don’t currently have.

This month I’m hosting two events that some of you might be interested in attending.

Senior citizens are invited to a Heart Healthy Sock Hop from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, at the Palatine Township Senior Center, 505 S. Quentin Road, Palatine.

Current and retired educators are invited to my Education Advisory Board meeting at 9 a.m. Monday, June 29, at the Palatine Public Library – Main Branch, 700 N. North Court, Palatine.

Please RSVP to either event by calling my district office at (847) 776-1880.

Please continue to give me your feedback on these issues or any others by e-mailing repbassi@aol.com or by calling the district office at (847) 776-1880.

Sincerely,
Suzie Bassi