It seems that our public officials and media want to focus on negative issues in these harsh economic times, as if the people of Illinois have forgotten about the fiscal crisis that our state faces. It is true that businesses are closing, parents are worried about their children’s education, and families have no choice but to cut down on spending. It is true that this is the worst economic recession that has hit our state in decades. But it won’t last forever. In fact, it is changing right now.
I want to focus on the positive. Our state won’t get better by talking about it. We have to act and face our problems responsibly. Sure, times are tough and attitudes are down, but again I say, they are changing right now.
Last year, the Senate Democrats put together a landmark piece of legislation that included a $31 billion statewide construction plan (a total of $39 billion for construction projects were generated by state governments nationwide), homeowner protections, and an expansion of tax credits that led to hundreds of new jobs and consumer stability. The General Assembly also passed measures to combat government waste, and creating better budget transparency and accountability.