ILLINOIS GOVERNMENT GETS ANOTHER LOW GRADE
The Pew Center on the States’ Government Performance Project’s recent report ranked Illinois among the worst-managed state governments in the country. The report, released by the Washington, D.C.-based Pew Center, gave the state a “C” grade, with only eight other states rated at the same level or below Illinois’ rating.
The report was based on states’ abilities to manage money, people, infrastructure and information. Of the 20 specific categories examined, Illinois only showed strength in one area - online services and information. The report said Illinois showed weaknesses in nine categories, including hiring practices, financial controls and contracting policies.
Following are excerpts from the report’s Executive Summary:
“Illinois will have to meet several serious challenges during the next few years. The state is hampered by a large amount of debt, a lack of reserves and a severely underfunded pension system. The governor and legislature have spent the past year in
an increasingly vitriolic battle over taxes, health care and mass transit funding. To tackle these issues effectively, the state will need some degree of political cooperation.
“Illinois has balanced spending with revenues reasonably well in recent years. Moreover, officials have taken measures to address the state’s pension shortfall by issuing bonds to infuse money into the system. But the state still faces a significant budget shortfall that puts into question its ability to weather a recession or other emergency. Furthermore, the state has not had a capital budget in several years, and this may threaten federal matching funds.”
The mission of the Government Performance Project is to improve service to the public by strengthening government policy and performance. To view the complete Pew Center On the States report, visit website.
AMTRAK SERVICE UPDATE
An agreement between Amtrak and the Canadian National Railroad will allow Amtrak to continue using the last 11 miles of the main rail line to Chicago, providing for continued uninterrupted service from southern Illinois communities, including Effingham.
CN has also pledged to cap Amtrak’s maintenance costs of this section of the rail line at today’s level, indexed for inflation.
CN is still waiting for the Surface Transportation Board to approve its purchase of the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway that would reduce rail congestion in Chicago.
The need to develop a new junction that would re-route Amtrak trains and shorten the trip into Chicago’s Union Station still exists.
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USE LEGISLATIVE ACTION GUIDE TO SHARE YOUR VIEWS
We are providing an updated copy of the Chamber’s Legislative Action Guide on the back side of this page for your use in contacting your federal, state and local elected officials on issues that affect your business.
Legislative activity in Springfield and Washington is hearing up, so now is the time to speak up.
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F.Y.I.
NO SMOKING BAN SIGNS - The Chamber office still has a supply of the required No Smoking Signs that are to be prominently displayed at all entrances to a business. The signs are free of charge and may be picked up during regular business hours, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
ILLINOIS RELAY - The Telephone Link Between Deaf & Hearing People - is a free program required and governed by Illinois law. Many businesses’ employees are not aware of Illinois Relay and how it works. To learn more, call 1-800-841-6167 or visit website.
FRIENDS OF THE U.S. CHAMBER - As a Chamber member you are eligible to enroll in the Friends of the U. S. Chamber Action Network which allows you to receive personalized information on issues that you care about, contact your member of Congress about issues important to you, and increase your profile with elected officials and industry leaders. Sign up information is available at this website.
CONSUMER ACTION HANDBOOK - This 168-page guide is designed to help citizens find the best and most direct source for assistance with consumer problems & questions. You can access the handbook online.
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