Decatur/Highland . . . Questions about the economy, state finances, health care and honoring veterans were part of a busy week of activity for State Senator Kyle McCarter as he continues traveling throughout the 51st Senate District.

“With the legislative session having concluded, I am taking the opportunity to visit communities and meet with constituents,” said McCarter.  “Elected office holders are servants of the people and I welcome an open dialogue with community leaders and citizens.”

The Economy/State Budget -

Meeting with business leaders early in the week, Senator McCarter gave a briefing on the current status of state finances.  While reports indicate the budget deficit continues to grow and tops $10 billion, Illinois is also far behind paying its bills.

“I don’t think we can wait much longer in addressing this budget problem.  We are in a crisis,” said McCarter.  “My concern is that the very people who created the tax and spending mess in Springfield remain in place and are in charge of finding a solution.”

McCarter has advocated more long-term thinking when it comes to state budgeting.  Instead of thinking in terms of one year or two year cycles, coinciding with the next election, he would like to see state government adopt five year plans that would help keep fiscal responsibility a priority.  The 51st District Senator has also proposed 5 percent across-the-board spending cuts to the state budget as a way to begin addressing the huge deficit problem.

“There is going to have to be some sacrifice but it should be a shared sacrifice and shared equally,” said McCarter.  “Across-the-board cuts don’t reward some and punish others.  It’s a simple approach but understandable so everyone, bureaucrats and citizens alike, know what to expect and I believe it can help us return to a balanced budget.”

The Senator also toured a business this week, which despite the current economic doldrums, is finding a way to prosper.  Accompanied by Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno, McCarter visited Secure Data of O’Fallon.  The firm, which specializes in information technology, was started in 2000.  It recently expanded its operations and hired 17 new employees within the past year but owner Ray Kelly told the lawmakers that if taxes continue to rise he’ll move his business to Missouri.

Tax increases were proposed by Governor Quinn and Democrat legislators this year.  McCarter said increasing taxes by $8 billion as proposed by the Governor, only takes that money out of the private sector. He said it’s the private sector that creates jobs and economic prosperity, not government.

The state’s economy, which has ranked near the bottom in job growth over the last six years, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, was also the central discussion at a meeting with the Shelbyville Chamber of Commerce this week.  McCarter said state government needs to invest in people by growing the private sector, rather than more state government.

Seniors/Health Care -

Also this week, Senator McCarter met with seniors groups and the topic, not surprisingly, was health care reform.  McCarter said seniors are beginning to see there are real problems when it comes to funding a massive new government problem.

“One of the reasons why I have serious doubts about the federal proposal recently passed is that it shifts the cost of health care to the states,” said McCarter.  “Our Medicaid system is already burdened by expanded eligibility rules and higher costs.  As we all know, Illinois is in fiscal turmoil with huge deficits.  The state is six months behind in paying doctors, pharmacists and hospitals now.  We cannot handle additional burden shifted onto us from the federal government.”

McCarter fears the burden could actually jeopardize access to quality health care in Illinois.

Illinois Veterans/Illinois Heroes -

With Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11, Senator McCarter joined the festivities in Sullivan to honor vets in that community.

“We had an amazing school assembly at Sullivan High School where grade school students hosted local veterans as their guests of honor,” said McCarter.  “We heard from two students who talked about the contributions their grandfathers made in defending our nation.  The children also sang in tribute to the veterans and all those vets in attendance were recognized individually by name.  It wasn’t just an honor for the veterans; it was a great teaching experience for the students.”

The ceremony included a flag raising and military gun salute.  Senator McCarter also spoke to the assembly about how he was raised in a military family.  His father is a retired Lt. Col. Air Force Chaplain who served in Vietnam and his brother is currently serving as a Major in the U.S. Army.  The senator’s oldest son, Zach, is currently enrolled at the U.S. Air Force Academy.

“It’s our veterans who gave us our Freedom and Liberty and it’s the veterans who protect it,” said McCarter.  “They have made it possible for school assemblies, for citizens like me to hold public office and for free and open elections where the people choose their representatives.”