Pantagraph.com Weather forecast, local radar and more
NewsSaturday, August 25, 2007 8:18 PM CDT
Lawmakers and experts: Budget cuts clearly political
Advertisement

SPRINGFIELD -- Some Illinois libraries are set to get the grants lawmakers asked for under the state's new budget.

Others aren't.

Some fire stations could get new equipment or much-needed station upgrades.

Others were snubbed.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich's selective vetoes this week of parts of the state's budget have confounded lawmakers who asked for money for local projects.

Lawmakers and experts generally agree on the results: Blagojevich's enemies were punished, and his friends and people he needed favors from were rewarded with millions in local projects.

''Unless you include politics in the analysis, there doesn't seem to be much rhyme or reason to the cuts that were made,'' said Charles N. Wheeler III, director of the University of Illinois-Springfield's public affairs reporting program.

The cuts were part of a $463 million reduction of the $59 billion budget Blagojevich made in hopes of finding money to pay for his plans to expand health care coverage.

State Rep. Patrick Verschoore, D-Milan, saw his projects cut out of the Quad Cities area, while his nearby colleague state Sen. Mike Jacobs, East-Moline, were spared.

''What's wrong with this guy?'' Verschoore asked about Blagojevich. ''I just don't understand him.''

When asked about lawmakers' accusations of Blagojevich's political motivations, governor spokeswoman Rebecca Rausch downplayed the idea.

''Again, we had to make some difficult decisions about what the state can really afford, and what our most critical spending priorities should be,'' she said. ''We think we ended up with a budget that better reflects the needs and values of the people of our state.''

Even though the veto details were released Thursday, state Rep. David Miller, D-Calumet City, said Friday he hadn't yet reviewed which of his projects survived or were cut.

But he said the controversial budget cuts this week resembled the months-long state budget impasse that was marked by name-calling and political deals among Blagojevich and top lawmakers.

''I think this whole process has been very divisive,'' Miller said.

Video
Most commented stories
Browse online archives
Recent issues:
Reader comments on this story - 7 total

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

reader wrote on Aug 25, 2007 5:44 PM:

" One way they could save money is to cut off money for the wellness program at ISU.You are suppose to get up to one and a half hour paid each week to exercise.Or 3- 30 minute exercise sessions.But since this is not offered to all those working at ISU they could save more tax payer money by doing away with the program completely.That would save the state alot of money. "

FYI wrote on Aug 25, 2007 11:05 AM:

" Evidently, he doesn't realize that most of the healthcare expenses he wants to increase funding to would be reduced by the addiction treatments, thus preventing other health problems. "

FYI wrote on Aug 25, 2007 11:03 AM:

" Most of you people can blame yourselves for electing this petty man to office, but not me. I voted for the other guy. "

WOW wrote on Aug 25, 2007 7:32 AM:

" Let's hope that the NEW healthcare coverage plans are as great as he thinks they are. We're sure going to need it since we won't have fire equipment to put out fires, amulances to take the people to get the treatment nor the people to give the treatment since no one gets a raise but him. Of course he has to pay for fuel for flying to and from Chicago...No, wait....THAT'S US TOO. "

blago wrote on Aug 25, 2007 6:10 AM:

" is a snake. "

Should it come as.. wrote on Aug 25, 2007 5:42 AM:

" some surprise there were political motivations behind this BULLY'S actions? A movement needs to start to get the legislature to enact law that would allow a recall. It may not come in time to do anything about this governor but it would pave the way for the future. "

awsome wrote on Aug 25, 2007 4:28 AM:

" I love that explaination by the governors mouth piece. According to her, our gov. feels pay raises for himself, and legislators is a priority, and fire trucks, ambulances, treatment for people addicted to drugs/alcohol, a new roof at a senior citezens center, etc... are not as important. She further says that this budget is better for the citizens of Illinois. Well, I for one really, really wanted to see Blagojevich and Emil Jones make more money. After all they have earned it right? "

Add your own comments

Please read the rules before posting comments.

You must be logged in to leave comments.
If you don't have a member ID, please register.

*Member ID:
*Password:
Remember login?
(requires cookies)
  Forgot Your Password?