McLean County Times

According to nonprofit research organization Illinois Policy, the current Illinois General Assembly continues pattern of questionable behavior established by former long-serving Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan.

Some had hoped for change when the former House Speaker stepped down last January amidst accusations of bribery, but Illinois Policy reports that House Democrats have continued practices designed to thwart transparency and opposition, including negotiating in secret and passing legislation at the last minute to avoid scrutiny or debate.

Massive budget proposals presented at the last minute to circumvent review have contributed to the state's current fiscal problems which include $3.4 billion in debt and a separate $3 billion loan from the Federal Reserve that will soon be due.

"After less than 30 minutes' notice and at 700+ pages, we will vote on a budget," Illinois State Rep. Dan Caulkins wrote in a Facebook post. | Facebook

"After less than 30 minutes' notice and at 700+ pages, we will vote on a budget," Illinois State Rep. Dan Caulkins wrote in a May 31 Facebook post. "It includes revenue from almost $800 million dollars in tax increases affecting 6,200 Illinois businesses. It also includes $100 million for the 'unemployment trust fund' that it is upside down by $5 billion dollars."

As the General Assembly concludes and members leave after Memorial Day, other current major issues that still need work done include new legislative district maps, education bills and ethics reform.

“We came up here to do real work because the state of Illinois has real problems that are holding people back," Illinois State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (R-Beecher City) said, according to Illinois Policy. "The level of work that has been done on serious issues up here is completely embarrassing."

Illinois Policy is a nonprofit independent research organization focused on seeking solutions to promote policies that advance personal freedom and prosperity in Illinois.