“Governor Quinn passed up a fantastic opportunity to show strong leadership and the ability to move our state forward,” said Mathias. “Instead he chose continue to lead us down the wrong path by proposing to tax and borrow our way out of the financial crisis instead of offering spending and budget reforms, and plans to create more jobs. It took years of mismanagement and out-of-control state spending to create the deficit, and it is going to take more than one year to get out of it. We cannot tax our way out of this mess, and it’s irresponsible to suggest doing so.”

Among the key components of Governor Quinn’s budget plan are to borrow $4.7 billion, roll over $6.3 billion in unpaid bills to the following year and $2 billion in cuts. The cuts would include $1.3 billion to education and $270 million in cuts to health care. Additionally, the Governor proposes to reduce the state aid to local governments by 3 percent and short the state pension payment by $267 million.

In all, the Governor’s budget proposal represents $24.7 billion in general revenue fund appropriations.

“It seems the Governor is refusing to recognize that unless we put Illinoisans back to work, tax revenues will continue to fall,” said Mathias. “We must be proactive to create jobs, and just one proposal won’t cut it. Additionally, if increasing property tax rates are not addressed, people will no longer be able to afford to own homes in this state, forcing them to relocate elsewhere. Clearly there is a philosophical difference of opinion on what our priorities ought to be.”

Sincerely,

Sid Mathias
State Representative, 53^rd District

Constitutional Amendments

HJRCA 39 - Limits a person’s total service in the office of Speaker of the House, President of the Senate, Minority Leader of the House, or Minority Leader of the Senate to a total of 10 years in any one office and 14 years combined in 2 or more offices. (Rules Committee)

HJRCA 40 - Requires that all appropriations must be approved by a three-fifths vote of the members elected to each house of the General Assembly. (Rules Committee)

HJRCA 48 – Eliminates the Office of the Comptroller. (Rules Committee)

HJRCA 49 - Requires the State Board of Elections to produce a redistricting plan using a computer program. (Rules Committee)

Crime

HB 5164 – Provides that it is unlawful for a minor less than 17 years of age to knowingly disseminate any material that depicts nudity or other sexual conduct by electronic transfer or capture of images of the person’s self image or image of another minor less than 17 years of age. (Rules Committee) (Bill on sexting)

HB 5720 – Provides that whenever any person has been found guilty of a violation of the Illinois Controlled Substances Act, the Cannabis Control Act, or the Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, that individual may have their driving privileges suspended for a period of 6 months for a first offense and a year for a second or subsequent offense within 5 years. (2^nd Reading)

Education

HB 4735 – Allows an income tax credit for teachers equal to the eligible classroom expenses made by the taxpayer during the taxable year, but the credit may not exceed $500. (Rules Committee)

Employment

HB 4730 – States that none of the amount received by an individual as primary social security old age and disability retirement benefits shall constitute disqualifying income for unemployment purposes. (Rules Committee)

HB 5805 – Creates the Illinois Emergency Employment Development Act. Authorizes the Governor to appoint an Illinois Emergency Employment Development Coordinator to administer the Act, and specifies the Coordinator’s other duties and powers. (Executive Committee)

Environment

HB 5810 – Creates the Green Energy Business Act which authorizes the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to receive and approve the applications of qualified businesses seeking designation as Green Energy Businesses to make them eligible for certain tax credits and exemptions. (Revenue & Finance Committee)

HB 6047 – Provides that a conversion cost rebate may be issued for the cost of converting a conventional vehicle or a hybrid vehicle to an alternate fuel vehicle. (Environment & Energy Committee)

Ethics

HB 4727 – Creates the offense of improper use of public funds. States that a person commits this offense when he or she knowingly misappropriates, misuses, or unlawfully withholds or converts to his or her own use or to the use of another any public funds made available through a gubernatorial or legislative member initiative. (Judiciary I – Civil Law Committee)

HB 4731 – States that if a bill is sponsored or co-sponsored by a majority of the members of the chamber in which the bill resides, then that bill measure must be referred to a committee and a vote on that bill must be taken by that committee within 6 session days. (Rules Committee)

HB 4734 – Prohibits a deputy registrar from wearing or displaying items expressing support for or against a candidate or referendum question while registering voters or assisting persons in completing mail-in voter registration applications. (Education & Campaign Reform Committee)

HB 4946 – Extends campaign contribution limits for political party committees to include the general election. (Rules Committee)

HB 5941 – Provides that when a nomination vacancy occurs on or after the general primary but more than 90 days before certification of candidates for the general election ballot, other than because no candidate’s name appeared on the general primary ballot and no write-in candidate was nominated, the vacancy may be filled only at a special primary election on a date set by the State Board of Elections. (Rules Committee)

HB 6263 – Creates the offense of theft of public funds. Establishes penalties based on the value of the property unlawfully obtained. (Judiciary I – Civil Law Committee)

HB 6260 – With respect to vacancies in the office of United States Senator from Illinois, provides that: (i) a vacancy occurring more than 180 days before the next regularly scheduled election to fill that seat shall remain vacant until filled at a special election; and (ii) a vacancy occurring 180 or fewer days before the next regularly scheduled election to fill that seat shall be filled by temporary appointment by the Governor until the conclusion of the vacant term. (Rules Committee)

Government

HB 4945 - Allows governmental units to authorize their treasurer to join with the treasurers of other governmental units for the purpose of jointly investing the funds. (2^nd Reading)

HB 6271 – Requires the Department of Central Management to establish and maintain the Illinois New Employee Portal on its official website. (State Government Administration Committee)

HB 6275 – Allows the clerk of the court to collect a juror fund fee from each plaintiff and defendant, except as otherwise specified, and that the fees shall be deposited into a County Juror Fund. (Rules Committee)

Human Services

HB 4733 – Provides that beginning January 1, 2011, “covered prescription drug” includes any prescription drug used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis that is covered by the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan in which the beneficiary is enrolled. (Revenue & Finance Committee)

HB 5133 – Creates the Uniform Emergency Volunteer Health Practitioners Act which allows for the registration of volunteer health practitioners with a registration system for the provision of health or veterinary services in the State for a host entity while an emergency declaration is in effect. (State Government Administration Committee)

HB 4763 – Creates the Deeds Effective on Death Act.  Provides that a deed that conveys an interest in a property to a designated grantee and expressly conveys that the deed does not  take effect until the death of the owner, will transfer the interest provided to the grantee, effective on the death of the owner. (Rules Committee)

Taxes

HB 4728 – Increases the general homestead exemption to $7,500 beginning in taxable year 2010 (now, the general homestead exemption is $6,000 for taxable years 2009 and thereafter). (Rules Committee)

HB 4729 – Amends the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief and Pharmaceutical Assistance Act to allow, for grant years 2011 and thereafter, “income” means federal taxable income (now, “income” means federal adjusted gross income modified by adding thereto income received from any of a list of sources).  (Rules Committee)

HB 4732 – Provides that the alternative general homestead exemption applies on a permanent basis and increases the amount of the exemption to $60,000 for taxable year 2010 and thereafter. (Revenue & Finance Committee)

HB 4736 – Allows all county boards to, by resolution, exempt a person that has been granted the senior citizen homestead exemption from reapplying for the exemption each year. (Revenue & Finance Committee)

HB 4913 – Provides that, for the purposes of the definition of 33 1/3%, the fair cash value of property is determined by the lesser of the Department of Revenue’s sales ratio studies for the 3 most recent years preceding the assessment year; or the valuation of the property in the year immediately preceding the assessment year. (Revenue & Finance Committee)

HB 5809 – Amends the Illinois Income Tax Act. Extends the carryback and carryover periods for net losses by an additional 5 years. (Revenue & Finance Committee)

HB 5944 – Requires that, in counties with 3,000,000 or more inhabitants, on or before October 1, 2010, the county assessor shall reassess all property in the county for which 2010 is not the general assessment year. (Rules Committee)

“We approved the legislation that created the medical malpractice caps in 2005 to put a stop to doctors fleeing the state to find cheaper medical malpractice insurance premiums,” said Mathias. “Since then, the caps have been extremely effective, helping to revitalize Illinois’ health care system by keeping talented doctors in Illinois.”

In 2005, the General Assembly approved Senate Bill 475 which limited non-economic damages in malpractice cases to $500,000 for physicians and $1 million for hospitals. Just two years later a Cook County judge ruled that these caps interfered with juries’ power to award appropriate damage awards for medical errors, and the issue was sent to the Supreme Court.

According to Mathias, at one point there were no neurosurgeons in the Will County area or in any community south of Springfield because these specialties could not afford to pay their skyrocketing medical malpractice insurance premiums. Additionally, because doctors were fleeing, especially those in high risk specialties such as obstetrics, pregnant women in many areas of the state could not receive proper care.

“At a time when jobs are badly needed throughout the state, this ruling could severely hamper any hopes for a quick recovery,” said Mathias. “This ruling by the Supreme Court will have drastic negative effects on Illinois’ health care system, putting residents at risk. We, as lawmakers, must act quickly to prevent another health care crisis.”

The Illinois General Assembly Scholarship Program allows for each legislator to provide scholarship opportunities to residents of their district who have been accepted to and plan on attending any in-state public university of their choice in the upcoming academic year, including:

Chicago State University in Chicago                          Illinois State University in Normal

Governors State University in Park Forest                    Eastern Illinois University in Charleston

Northern Illinois University in DeKalb                         Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago

Western Illinois University in Macomb     University of Illinois at Chicago, Springfield or Urbana

Southern Illinois University in Carbondale/Edwardsville

“These scholarships allow me to help hard-working local students afford to go to college,” said Mathias. “Each year, I have the privilege of awarding eight one-year scholarships to individuals from my district to attend any of Illinois’ public universities to further their education”

Mathias explained that he has an independent committee review each application and select the recipients.  The criteria considered for selecting winners include academic achievement, community or civic involvement and financial need.

“Whether seeking an undergraduate or graduate degree, I encourage everyone interested in pursing their degree in higher education to apply for a scholarship,” Mathias said.

Those interested can obtain an application by downloading the forms online at http://mathias.ilhousegop.org. Applications must be completed and received by Rep. Mathias’s office no later than Monday, April 19, 2010.

ITEP provides federal funds to develop alternative transportation and preserve visual and cultural resources. The funds are awarded competitively and any local or state government with taxing authority is eligible to apply. Local matching funds are required and work must begin on the projects within three years.

“Today’s vote by the County Board is a step in the right direction for struggling families and cash-strapped small businesses – but it is far from enough,” Rep. Mathias said. “The pressure of higher taxes, increased cost of consumer goods, and declining value of the dollar is being felt by families and employers everywhere. Reducing the rate increase by only half is a pittance. I will continue to pursue legislation for a full repeal of the Stroger sales tax increase and call upon the Cook County Board to do likewise.”

In response to Todd Stroger’s vetoes of the County Board’s earlier attempts to cut or repeal the sales tax increase, Rep. Mathias was a co-sponsor of House Bill 4625 during the recent October veto session of the General Assembly, legislation which reduced the threshold needed for Cook County Commissioners to override the Board President’s veto from four-fifths down to the more commonly accepted three-fifths standard used by most other legislative bodies.

Mathias is also Chief Sponsor of House Bill 715, a bipartisan measure in the Illinois House to roll back Cook County’s sales tax rate by a full one percent back to what it was prior to July 1, 2008 when the Stroger increase took effect. The bill would also require the County Board to put any future tax increase proposals before the voters for approval in the form of a ballot referendum.

“Todd Stroger and the Cook County Board should be forced to make their case to the voters in order to approve any new tax increases,” Mathias added. “The referendum provision in my legislation would ensure that the voice of Cook County taxpayers is heard before any future tax hikes are passed.”

Rep. Mathias serves the 53^rd District which includes portions of Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights, Wheeling, Prospect Heights, and Mount Prospect.

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A member of the Northwest Suburban Alliance on Domestic Violence, Rep. Mathias continues to be at the forefront of state and community-based policy initiatives to help raise awareness and provide services for those affected.

A domestic violence symposium sponsored by the Circuit Court of Cook County’s Third Municipal District is planned for October 16 at Chandler’s Banquets in Schaumburg from 8:00am-4:30pm, featuring guest speakers and workshops for members of the community serving the needs of individuals and families affected by domestic violence.

Over 31,000 civil and criminal orders of protection were issued in Cook County alone during 2008, according to the Circuit Clerk’s Office.

“The serious challenges associated with domestic violence are not confined to any group of people, but cross all economic, gender, racial, and social barriers,” Rep. Mathias said.

“Only a community-oriented approach geared toward education and prevention can help meet the needs of victims and demonstrate our commitment to mitigate the destructive impact domestic violence has on families and children.”

An informational fair on domestic violence sponsored by the Northwest Suburban Alliance will also be held on October 29 at the Palatine Opportunity Center. Information is available through Rep. Mathias’s District Office by calling (847) 222-0061 or via e-mail at repmathias@hotmail.com.

The Alliance has also worked with local municipalities throughout the area to pass proclamations bringing attention to Domestic Violence Awareness Month. To date, ten local municipalities have passed such ordinances including; Hoffman Estates, Palatine, South Barrington, Elk Grove, Rolling Meadows, Schaumburg, Elgin, Prospect Heights, Mount Prospect, and Streamwood.

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ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – State Representative Sidney Mathias (R-Buffalo Grove) responded to the Cook County Board’s vote earlier today defeating a measure that would override Todd Stroger’s veto and roll back half of last year’s one percent sales tax increase.

“Today’s vote by the County Board is a disappointing setback for the people of Cook County,” Mathias said. “Cash-strapped families and small businesses continue to feel the pressure of higher taxes, increased cost of consumer goods, and the declining value of the dollar. Our priority should be to encourage consumer spending and fostering an economic climate where businesses are able to grow and create new jobs. The highest-in-the-nation sales tax rate in Cook County is counterproductive to those shared goals.”Mathias is the Chief Sponsor of House Bill 715, a bipartisan measure in the Illinois House to roll back Cook County’s sales tax back to the rate it was prior to July 1, 2008 when the one-percent increase took effect by pre-empting the County’s home rule status. The bill would also require the County Board to put any future tax increase proposals before the voters for approval in the form of a ballot referendum.

Mathias also noted how it takes an unrealistic four-fifths, or 80%, vote of the County Commissioners to override the Board President’s veto.

“I know of no other governmental body – past or present – that requires such an outrageous and impossible standard to override an executive veto,” Mathias said. “I believe that Cook County should be held to the same standard as every other county in Illinois as well as our own General Assembly by requiring a three-fifths majority of 60% to override a veto.”

Rep. Mathias serves the 53^rd District which includes portions of Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights, Wheeling, Prospect Heights, and Mount Prospect.

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Discussion will include an update on the state budget and issues of local concern such as the need for meaningful ethics reform, tax relief, and investments in transportation, education, and health care. The meetings are open to the public and will feature a brief presentation followed by a question-and-answer session with the audience.

The two local legislators invite local residents to attend the town hall meeting next week:

WHEELING: Tuesday, August 11^th, 7:00pm-8:30pm

Wheeling Village Hall, 2 Community Boulevard

“I am pleased to sponsor this upcoming forum and looking forward to the opportunity to receive direct feedback from local residents on the most pressing issues and challenges our families are facing today,” Rep. Mathias said.

For questions or more information, please contact Rep. Mathias’ office at (847) 222-0061 or Sen. Murphy’s office at (847) 776-1490.

Rep. Mathias serves the 53^rd District which includes portions of Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights, Wheeling, Prospect Heights, and Mount Prospect.

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ARLINGTON HEIGHTS – Giving local residents another tool to become activists for reform in state government, State Rep. Sidney Mathias (R-Buffalo Grove) is urging taxpayers to visit the newly created www.reinventillinois.com website to submit ideas on how lawmakers should cut the state budget and suggest reforms needed to re-focus state priorities on  fiscal discipline and economic growth.

The site is the latest effort by Rep. Mathias to incorporate public opinion and cultivate a broad range of feedback to help address the growing state budget crisis and fuel the need for budget and ethics reform.

“With unemployment at a 25-year high and Illinois facing a historic deficit, we need to reach out and embrace the public’s demand for reform in our budget process and ethics in state government,” Rep. Mathias said.  “It is time that government starts listening to the public and Reinventillinois.com will be a vital tool to help foster that dialogue.”

“Families are cutting back to make ends meet in today’s economy and state government should do the same,” Mathias added. “Government must begin to live within its means and encourage those we represent to help us reform our broken budget process and bring real change to Springfield. This new website will help us accomplish that goal together.”

To join the discussion on how to reform state government, please visit www.reinventillinois.com and register for a free login to begin submitting your ideas.

Rep. Mathias serves the 53^rd District which includes portions of Buffalo Grove, Arlington Heights, Wheeling, Prospect Heights, and Mount Prospect.

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