Springfield, IL… Citing Governor Quinn’s lack of leadership in his State of the State Address today, State Representative Suzanne “Suzie” Bassi (R-Palatine) said she is angry about the governor’s lack of direction for the new legislative year.

“This is unacceptable! The people of this state deserve more. The Governor failed to address the serious problems facing Illinois today – the financial crisis, $6 billion of unpaid bills and the unemployment rate near 11 percent. It was nothing but a stump campaign speech,” said Bassi. “I was looking for some leadership and strong ideas on how to get out of this mess, instead he focused on last year’s legislation and side-stepped all of the questions that we need answers to.”

The Governor’s speech was about patting Pat Quinn on the back. Little has changed since Rod Blagojevich was impeached, said Bassi.

“The sad reality is that not much has changed since Blagojevich’s impeachment. Our budget and unemployment situation have gotten worse and Democrats continue to spend money the state does not have while pushing businesses out of Illinois. People are hurting and we need to put them back to work, not increase the state’s income tax on working families and employers,” she said.

Citing the need for fiscal reform, Bassi said she will continue to fight Governor Quinn and the Democrats plan to raise taxes and push for legislation that changes the budgetary process.

Palatine, IL…In an effort to bring transparency to the state’s finances, Governor Quinn recently signed into law key transparency reform legislation supported by State Representative Suzie Bassi.

“Widespread government corruption has been the norm for far too long. I applaud the Governor for signing this bill that will make Illinois government more honest and transparent,” said Bassi Continue reading »

Palatine, IL … Senior citizens are invited to dance to the top hits of the 40s, 50s and 60s during a Heart Healthy Sock Hop, sponsored by State Representative Suzie Bassi, from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, at the Palatine Township Senior Center, 505 S. Quentin Road, Palatine. Continue reading »

Palatine, IL … As college tuition continues to rise, parents are encouraged to learn about Illinois 529 plans that will ease the burden of paying for college through a seminar sponsored by State Representative Suzanne “Suzie” Bassi (R-Palatine).

“As the cost of college continues to dramatically increase, Illinois families are looking to get ahead in saving for their child’s higher education. Both College Illinois and Bright Start offer great saving opportunities for all income levels. I urge all families to look into both programs and see what works best for them,” said Bassi.

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Springfield, IL … In response to Cook County President Todd Stroger’s sales tax hike, State Representative Suzanne “Suzie” Bassi (R-Palatine) voted yes on legislation to roll back the county sales tax and mandate a referendum be approved by voters on such increases. Unfortunately, the legislation today failed to receive the 71 votes needed to pass – 61 yes, 55 no.

“Todd Stroger’s greed has severely impacted the communities that I represent from families forced to drive across the border for cheaper goods to municipalities and other taxing bodies that are reaping less money from the sales tax,” said Bassi. “This tax hike increased the price on everyday items such as clothing, appliances and school supplies making it that much more difficult to maintain a household in these difficult economic times.” Continue reading »

Springfield, IL … State Representative Suzanne “Suzie” Bassi (R-Palatine) urges Speaker Madigan to allow two key pieces of legislation that would overturn last year’s Cook County sales tax hike to be voted on the House floor.

“I am thrilled these bills passed the Executive Committee and I urge Speaker Madigan to allow a vote on the floor. I remain hopeful that the General Assembly can right the wrong made by Cook County Board President Todd Stroger. Cook County taxpayers deserve a fiscally responsible government, not a county board that raises taxes on the sly at midnight before a budget deadline,” said Bassi.

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Chicago, IL … On the one-year anniversary of the Cook County Board’s decision to increase the sales tax making it the highest in the nation, State Rep. Suzanne “Suzie” Bassi (R-Palatine) renewed her call for fiscal responsibility by filing new legislation to roll the sales tax back by 1.0 percent.

“Today marks the 1-year anniversary of the day that Cook County Board President Todd Stroger pushed through a county sales tax that more than doubled the current rate. Chicago now holds the highest sales tax rate of 10.25 percent, far above New York City and Los Angeles with 8.5 percent,” said Bassi. Continue reading »

Springfield, IL…In an effort to bring transparency to the state’s finances, State Representative Suzie Bassi (R-Palatine) filed House Bill 194 that would require the Governor’s office to create a website that would allow the public and even members of the General Assembly to see exactly how the state’s money is being spent and who is receiving contracts for Illinois projects.

“Taxpayers have the right to know exactly how their tax dollars are being spent. The bill will help citizens of Illinois understand how the state budget works and what benefits they receive from state services,” said Bassi. “Ultimately, budget transparency will check corruption, improve the public’s confidence and promote fiscal responsibility – all of which is desperately needed in Illinois.” Continue reading »

Springfield, IL … This week State Representative Suzie Bassi (R-Palatine) sponsored House Resolution 92 calling for the resignation of U.S. Senator Roland Burris. After a request to discharge the legislation from the Rules Committee on Thursday, the House Democrats refused to allow a vote on the resolution.

“Senator Burris dodged questions and lied to the House Impeachment Committee about his appointment to the U.S. Senate and then filed an affidavit weeks later that contained several discrepancies. His credibility is shot. Illinois citizens deserve a leader who seeks elected office to serve people, not to enhance his political clout,” said Bassi. Continue reading »

Springfield, IL…After deliberating over weeks of testimony relating to the U.S. Attorney’s complaint detailing alleged criminal behavior by the Democrat governor, State Rep. Suzie Bassi (R-Palatine) voted with the 20 members of the Impeachment Committee and also with the entire House of Representatives to have Gov. Rod Blagojevich impeached. Continue reading »