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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A new website has been created to allow state government to share information about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, or what is more commonly referred to as the federal stimulus package.

The Illinois website, www.recovery.illinois.gov, is designed to be more specific to Illinois compared with the federal website www.recovery.com that was set up by the federal administration. Continue reading »

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 »

I was very interested in the Chicago Tribune editorial “Cut the Free Rides” since I recently filed House Bill 2657 that would eliminate the Senior Transit Ride Giveaway; while preserving free rides for senior citizens on Circuit Breaker and the disabled.

Nearly 400,000 seniors have been issued cards that qualify them for free rides, regardless of income. My legislation would also reinstate the half-off senior discount for all seniors.  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 »

Palatine, IL … State Rep. Suzanne “Suzie” Bassi (R-Palatine) announced today that application forms for General Assembly Scholarships for the 2009-2010 school year are now available through her district office to residents of the 54th District. These one-year scholarships cover tuition costs at the undergraduate, graduate or professional level at any Illinois state school.

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While I look forward to a new era in Illinois state government with a new governor and two new leaders in the General Assembly, it is no secret that our state is facing serious difficulties. Everyday we are inundated with the news of more employee layoffs, a flailing stock market and potholes large enough to swallow cars.

Former Governor Blagojevich, who abused his power for political and financial gain, left the State of Illinois in shambles. Although I was aware of the harm that Blagojevich had been doing to the State of Illinois beforehand, it wasn’t until I served on the House Impeachment Committee that I became painfully aware of the extent of the damage that he had inflicted. In addition to blocking important legislation passed by the Legislature, he continued to spend money that we didn’t have and start programs without the funds to pay for them, digging an even deeper financial hole. Continue reading »

Springfield, IL … Renewing her commitment to providing solutions to the most pressing issues facing local families, State Representative Suzie Bassi (R-Palatine) took the oath of office for her sixth term in the Illinois House of Representatives on Wednesday in a ceremony at the University of Illinois at Springfield. All members of the incoming 96^th General Assembly were sworn in during the ceremony to begin the new legislative session.

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