Belleville News Democrat

Sunday, Jan. 22, 2012

Where do state legislators from the metro-east stand on the issues? What's on the agenda for their spring legislative session?

The Belleville News-Democrat sent questionnaires to local legislators and received responses from Sen. Dave Luechtefeld, R-Okawville; Sen. Bill Haine, D-Alton; Rep. Jerry Costello II, D-Smithton; Rep. Eddie Lee Jackson, D-East St. Louis; Rep. Dwight Kay, R-Glen Carbon; Rep. Paul Evans, R-O'Fallon; Rep. John Cavaletto, R-Salem, and Sen. Kyle McCarter, R-Lebanon.

Sen. James Clayborne, D-Belleville; Rep. Scott Penny, D-Fairmont City, and Rep. Dan Beiser, D-Alton, either did not respond or declined to participate.

Do you favor reducing the pension benefits or increasing the pension contributions for current state employees?

Rep. Jerry Costello II, D-Smithton:

Illinois faces a serious crisis with regards to its public pension systems, and doing nothing is not an option. There have been a number of proposals and my commitment is to ultimately support a plan that is fair to both taxpayers and pensioners, while keeping the bottom line of creating a more solvent pension system in mind.

There are legal concerns regarding pension benefits for current employees, and I believe any plan will need to be crafted with all stakeholders at the table. The goal is to create a fair, affordable solution with an eye toward saving the state money and protecting the rights of those who have been victimized by years of fiscal mismanagement.

Rep. Paul Evans, R-O'Fallon:

When you are in such a fiscal mess as the State of Illinois is in, you have to place everything on the table in order to address the problem.

If you look around the country today at who has pension systems and who doesn't, you will find that the majority of Americans and American companies no longer provide traditional pension systems that the state of Illinois provides. As a small business owner, I do not see why our government employees funded by taxpayers' dollars should benefit greater than hard-working private citizens.

Rep. Eddie Lee Jackson, D-East St. Louis:

I, in agreement with many constitutional experts, think that making changes to the benefits of current employees is unconstitutional. I do not believe that such an action is fair. Rather than devoting time and resources to a path that will land us in court and ultimately back to square one, let's bring everyone to the table and see what we can do. As I said before, fixing the economy will do a great deal for helping our pension systems, which are entwined with world equity markets.

Sen. Kyle McCarter, R-Lebanon:

Yes, a modified pension plan is a lot better than a bankrupt one. We must be honest with state employees and tell them the truth about what type of pension Illinois can afford and we must be honest with taxpayers about the cost of the pensions they are providing.

Rep. Dwight Kay, R-Glen Carbon:

The legislature must pay down our massive pension debt and not continue to skip payments costing the taxpayers billions.

Sen. Bill Haine, D-Alton:

In 2010, I voted in support of legislation that created a two-tiered pension system that will save the state hundreds of billions of dollars in the long term. That was a critical step for Illinois. Making changes to pension benefits for current employees has been debated over the last couple years. Many believe that making any changes would be a violation of the state constitution. While I would like to see further reform, I want to make sure that we remain within the bounds of the constitution.

Sen. Dave Luechtefeld, R-Okawville:

If left alone, the pensions systems will eventually go bankrupt. The stakeholders need to sit down and have serious discussions that reach an outcome that protects workers, while upholding the Constitutional guarantee and keeping the five public pension systems solvent.

Rep. John Cavaletto, R-Salem:

Gov. Quinn recently announced that he has formed a committee to study pension reform and make recommendations. I will not support any pension reform legislation that is unconstitutional and want assurances the state will fully fund the pension systems.

Do you support reducing Medicaid benefits in order to improve the state's finances?

Costello:

I would need to review any specific proposal. That being said, I do support efforts to fully tackle the issue of Medicaid fraud, a problem that has grown over the years. People and organizations that wrongfully take advantage of the Medicaid program should be held responsible and the state should be very aggressive about investigating and bringing to justice those who abuse or cheat the system.

Evans:

In order to address the State's financial crisis, we must address every aspect of government spending to find better more effective ways to provide services and live within our means. That is going to take sacrifice.

The Quinn Administration is projecting a budget shortfall $1.1 billion in Medicaid spending this year even after the largest tax increase in Illinois history. Standard and Poor's more than doubled that projection to $2.7 billion when you account for the previous year's under-funding. When you are looking at a $2.7 billion deficit due to Medicaid, any fiscally responsible individual has to look at how to reduce spending while still taking care of your obligation to the most vulnerable.

Jackson:

Reducing benefits for the poor is a surefire way to do further damage to an economy. If anything, we need to do more to put money into the pockets of people who need it. They will in turn put that money into local cash registers, creating more jobs and a cycle of prosperity. I do support legitimate efforts to reform Medicaid to ensure it is fair, and that taxpayer dollars are not spent on fraud. I do not support a reduction in benefits for current recipients.

McCarter:

For years now, benefits beyond what the state can afford have been approved by many politicians simply so they could continue to get re-elected. During Rod Blagojevich's time as governor he increased eligibility for the taxpayer-funded Medicaid program far beyond what is required by the federal government. As a result, Illinois' Medicaid program has grown by $4 billion during his and current Gov. Pat Quinn's nine-year run.Unfortunately, we may not be able to cut Medicaid spending because of the passage of Obamacare, which contained a provision preventing states from reducing Medicaid benefits after the national health care legislation was passed. However, there are some reforms we can make that can reduce costs such as using a managed care system to hold down costs while still providing quality health care. This is very much like the health care coverage most people receive today under HMOs.

Kay:

Yes. Human services absorbs 50 percent of our state budget. I support the bipartisan legislation signed into law as Public Act 96-1501 to require applicants to submit one month of income data and proof of Illinois residency in order to qualify to receive Medicaid benefits. These reforms will ensure services are provided to those who are not only residents of Illinois but those who are truly in need.

Haine:

My colleagues and I passed a landmark Medicaid reform bill last year that could save the state billions of dollars. Unfortunately, the federal government ruled that some parts of that bill violated federal law.

Moving forward, I don't think we need to reduce benefits for individuals who truly need Medicaid. Instead, we need to cut down on instances of fraud and abuse. Illinois citizens shouldn't have to pay for Medicaid for people who don't reside in Illinois.

Luechtefeld:

In the area of who qualifies, is probably where we need to start with real Medicaid reform. Former Gov. Blagojevich really increased the Medicaid rolls with his expansions of eligibility. The income threshold on some households needs to be scaled back to be more in line with surrounding states.

Cavaletto:

Yes. House Republicans initiated reforms to strengthen income and residency verification when determining Medicaid eligibility. Unfortunately, the Obama administration refuses to allow us to implement these common-sense reforms. A couple of years ago we enacted into law a measure allowing the Department of Human Services to hire a private firm to conduct a Medicaid recapture audit that could save as much as $1 billion by eliminating fraud. Unfortunately, it has not yet been implemented.

Do you think the income tax increases approved last year will have to be extended after they expire? Or will they remain temporary?

Costello:

I did not support the income tax increase first and foremost. At this point, my mission is to eliminate wasteful spending and prioritize funds in order to get our state finances back on track. The income tax increase is temporary and the state of Illinois ought to keep its promise to taxpayers.

I believe that state government must begin living within its means and stop asking taxpayers to give up more of their hard-earned income. I oppose any additional taxes and believe inefficient spending in Springfield and Chicago must come to an end.

Evans:

The income tax increase has solved nothing. Our debt continues to rise. Our bond ratings continue to be downgraded. Businesses are leaving our state and our best and brightest citizens are choosing to move elsewhere.

I oppose extending the tax increase. I believe the only way to get our state back on solid ground is to make spending cuts, reallocate our funds and reform the way we spend. That is why I sponsored HB 175 to repeal tax hikes. The only way Illinois residents will see relief is to vote in new leadership. If the Democratic leadership stays in power - I am sure they will try to make the case to keep it permanent.

Jackson:

The expiration is too far down the road to say at this time. It is important to wait to see the impact of other efficiency measures we've enacted. I think when we make proclamations about what we are willing, or not willing to do so far in the future, we tie our own hands and rob our constituents of true public service. We will need to have a robust debate on tax reform, and I look forward to hearing what my constituents have to say on the issue.

McCarter:

Unless we change government spending practices, and reduce the size and scope of state government, the full Illinois income tax hike may never go away as was originally promised and sold to the public-at-large.

Kay:

The tax increase approved last year should expire. I won't support the tax increase. However, I anticipate a movement in the legislature to extend the tax increase.

Haine:

If we continue to pass balanced budgets and cut excess spending like we did last year, I think the increase can be temporary.

Luechtefeld:

If the same people who have been in charge for the past 10 years wanted the income tax rates to go back down, then this would not even be an issue. Gov. Quinn essentially admitted that the income tax increase will become permanent.

Cavaletto:

It is obvious the Democrats plan to extend or make permanent the income tax increase they passed during the lame duck session a year ago. The Governor relied on that revenue when creating his three-year budget forecast recently. If proper reform is implemented before the tax increase is up for renewal in 2015, it could be eliminated.

Do you think a concealed-carry law could be passed this year? Do you support it?

Costello:

I am certainly a big supporter of conceal and carry, and I will do everything in my power to get this legislation passed. I believe the Constitution guarantees our right to keep and bear arms, and I will continue to fight to make Illinois a right-to-carry state.To do this, it will require Republicans and Democrats work together to fight back against the attempts of anti-gun Chicago politicians.I recently held a Gun Rights Update with the National Rifle Association, and I am committed to working with them and other gun-rights advocates to pass this law.

Evans:

I believe in the rights of every law-abiding citizen to be able to own and carry a firearm as outlined in the Second Amendment of the Constitution. When I was growing up on my family's hog farm, I learned how to use a gun for hunting and for protection. Most gun owners use guns responsibly and carefully. And they will continue to use guns responsibly and carefully when conceal and carry passes.

I do not see any reason why a law-abiding man or woman should not be able to carry a gun for personal protection. I not only support the bill to pass conceal and carry, I am a co-sponsor of HB 148.

Jackson:

I think there is a good chance that concealed-carry could be passed this year. I support this constitutional right.

McCarter:

I will do everything I can to help pass a concealed-carry bill but until we change the balance of the legislature, it will be difficult. The strongest opposition to concealed-carry comes from mostly Chicago-area legislators who also control the legislative process. I am part of the NRA's lawsuit that we hope will be heard in the Supreme Court allowing citizens the right to protect themselves.

Kay:

Yes, I support a concealed-carry law. I am a co-sponsor of the concealed-carry legislation.

Haine:

I think it's possible a concealed-carry law could be passed this year. Last year, the bill fell one vote short in the House of Representatives. I am a co-sponsor of concealed-carry legislation that has been introduced in the Senate and I would strongly support the effort to get a law passed.

Luechtefeld:

I do support concealed-carry and believe it has a chance to pass. I think Cook County will have to be left out of it, and the real roadblock will be if the Senate will even hear the legislation, Senate President John Cullerton is very set against concealed-carry.

Cavaletto:

Absolutely. The latest conceal and carry bill (HB 148) to come before the House, which I co-sponsored, fell short of passing by only a few votes. We will most definitely try to pass it again. I strongly support the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding gun owners.

Do you support the tax breaks given to Sears and Chicago Mercantile Exchange? Do you think a different approach is needed?

Costello:

I voted against the tax breaks given to Sears and CME because I don't think my constituents should be on the hook to bail out billion-dollar Chicago-area companies.These tax breaks and incentives will result in only a handful of winners at the expense of everyone else.Our state needs to become tougher as whole, not just Chicago, and work on a plan that is fair for all of our businesses.

I believe a different approach is needed, which is why one day after voting to enhance the state's Earned Income Tax Credit and personal income tax exemption, I filed legislation that would reduce the corporate income tax rate in an effort to improve the state's business climate and spur job growth. House Bill 3917 would lower the corporate tax rate back to 4.8 percent.I see this proposal as part of a continuing effort to reform the state's often confusing and counterproductive tax system.

Evans:

I believe that when the Democrat leadership of the state of Illinois increases taxes on businesses and individuals the way it did last year, they create situations like you had with Sears and CME.

I believe businesses of all types and sizes are hemorrhaging in the state of Illinois from overtaxation, fees and mandates. We need to be more pro-business to allow commerce to grow by reducing taxes, fees and unfunded mandates.

Jackson:

I did support the tax relief package because it would be irresponsible to allow 6,000 jobs to be lost. Besides the impact on the families, that many jobs lost in such a short time frame would be devastating to our social services systems. While I am always prepared to act quickly when a situation arises, I do feel that a comprehensive approach is far better than a piecemeal one. From day one I have been an advocate for the issues facing the metro-east, and I look forward to working to develop broad tax relief and reform to improve the lives of local residents.

McCarter:

I was one of only four Republican senators that voted against the CME/Sears bill. It was horrible public policy that allowed only those with high-priced lobbyists to get relief from the tax increase. Working families and small businesses got nothing.Illinois needs broad-based tax reform that treats all employers equally and that will make our state competitive again and help restore the thousands of manufacturing and other jobs which Illinois has lost over the past 20 years because the cost of doing business in Illinois was too costly.

Kay:

Giving a tax credit (bailout) to a few select companies is a bad use of taxpayer dollars.

I agree with proposals such as improving the net operating loss, maintaining the research and development tax credit, reducing the inheritance tax liability, and increasing the standard exemption for individual taxpayers. A more fair and balanced plan would be to repeal the tax hike on all businesses which took effect last January. Repealing this tax would bring immediate relief to Illinois businesses and individuals.

Haine:

I voted for Senate Bill 397 because we need to keep the jobs those companies support in Illinois. If CME were to leave Illinois, it would wipe out virtually an entire industry. The legislation also included several provisions that will help our local economy, including increasing the Estate Tax Exemption and restoring the Research and Development Tax Credit, including allowing any credit earned in 2015 and before to be carried forward past the expiration date of the credit. We also passed Senate Bill 400 in conjunction with Senate Bill 397. That bill will provide relief to working families by increasing the standard personal exemption and expanding the Earned Income Tax Credit.

We have seen major business expansion in my district without tax breaks because of our infrastructure improvements, such as road projects and levee construction. We've seen commitments locally from ConocoPhillips and U.S. Steel in Granite City. The new Alton Regional Multi-modal Transportation Center will also provide job opportunities and a boost to our local economy.

Luechtefeld:

I voted against the CME/Sears proposal. We should not be in the business of picking winners and losers. If the legislation dealt with only the Earned Income Tax Credit, statewide business incentives and the agricultural components, then I could have supported the entire package

Cavaletto:

We need to do what we can to make Illinois a business friendly environment to attract employers. Illinois, and downstate in particular, need as many jobs as we can get which is why I am supporting legislation to roll-back the corporate tax increase.

Do you think the state's workers' compensation system needs more changes? Do you expect any to be approved this year?

Costello:

The changes to the state's workers' compensation system are estimated to save businesses up to $700 million while preserving and protecting the rights of workers injured on the job. This package was the product of countless hours of negotiations of all stakeholders who recognized the need to change the system to make Illinois more attractive to investors and entrepreneurs and eliminate fraud.

While there may be some efforts to further reform the system, I believe it is important to understand and evaluate the effectiveness of enacted reforms after they have been in place for a while.

Evans:

Every aspect of state government including the state's workers' compensation system needs to continue to be reviewed and reworked.

Enacting meaningful workers' compensation reform is absolutely critical in rebuilding our state's jobs climate. Changes like requiring the workplace to be the primary cause of the accident, no drugs or alcohol involved in the accident, and adopting American Medical Association standards will greatly reduce costs to the system and bring down premiums.

Jackson:

It is my understanding that we will likely see legislation this year to add further changes to the reform efforts we passed last year. I strongly support any efforts to stop fraud and protect taxpayer dollars. I expect that any needed reforms will be approved, if reasonable.

McCarter:

Yes, we need to change the law so that the workplace must be the primary cause of the injury.Our work comp rates are two and three times that of our neighboring states and we lose jobs because of this. I have taken the lead in sponsoring this legislation but the so-called workers' comp reform passed last year failed to include primary cause and left the built-in, open-door-to-fraud in the current system.

Kay:

Yes. The recent workers' compensation bill signed into law has resulted in little to no cost savings. I will continue to advocate for meaningful workers' compensation reform to include causation. Causation will ensure fairness in the worker's compensation system by only compensating injured employees who are actually injured on the job.

Haine:

The state needs to take a more balanced approach to workers' compensation reform. Last year, the General Assembly passed legislation that provides some good reforms, but that I feel will unfairly impact the doctors who provide care to injured workers. The bill cut the medical fee schedule at too high a rate, which could lead to fewer doctors being willing to take on workers' comp patients. I fear these rate cuts could also drive more doctors, especially in our area, out of Illinois, thus harming the care received by all other patients.

We need to continue exploring ways to cut down on instances of fraud within the system like the heinous abuse that occurred at the Menard Correctional Center. I passed legislation last year in response to a local instance of abuse involving a police officer who was driving recklessly and sending emails in his vehicle. He was injured in a car crash that resulted in the deaths of two innocent people. Then the officer, who pleaded guilty to reckless homicide, applied for workers' comp benefits. We need to continue fighting this type of abuse.

Luechtefeld:

I do think the system needs more changes. We need to delve deeper into the topic of causation. It is doubtful we will see much progress this legislative session on workers' compensation.

Cavaletto:

Yes, more reform is needed. Specifically we need to address the issue of causation (workplace being the primary cause of injury) and include it in true workers' compensation reform, which has been a sticking point for the Democrats.

Do you think the legislative scholarship program (which allows legislators to award scholarships to the state's public universities) should be abolished? Do you think there's any chance of it being eliminated?

Costello:

I support the elimination of the legislative scholarship program, and I will convey my position to fellow lawmakers. This program lacks accountability and is not an efficient use of tax dollars.It should end. There are better ways to make sure that students have opportunities for higher education.

Evans:

I firmly believe the legislative scholarship program should be abolished, which is why I am sponsoring the bill to eliminate the program. It is a political perk that has no place in the financially hard times that this state is facing.

Why should members of the General Assembly be allowed without restrictions to arbitrarily award scholarships to friends and family? It is ethically wrong and fiscally irresponsible. I raised this issue earlier in the campaign when two of my opponents' family members directly benefited from the perk. I pledged then that I would work to end this program.

I believe that there is a great likelihood that it will pass. Every voter that I talk to about it agrees with eliminating the program.

McCarter:

It should be eliminated. I have voluntarily discontinued distributing scholarships.

Unless we can craft a program that doesn't allow for favoritism and payoffs the program should cease. However, there is another part of this controversy to consider, which is unfair to our colleges and universities. The scholarship program actually takes money away from our colleges and universities which are required to honor the scholarships with no reimbursement from state government. This additional financial burden must be paid by someone and that likely falls to every other student.

Jackson:

I think our state has more important problems than this program. The vast majority of legislators run their local scholarship efforts with the utmost care and respect for the law, myself included. I do not think there is much of a chance for elimination, given the narrow scope of the problems, and the overwhelming benefit they provide to students.

Kay:

Yes, the legislative scholarship program should be abolished. I have sponsored HB 201 to abolish the legislative scholarship program.

Haine:

I think abolishing the legislative scholarship program is something we must do. Although it's called a scholarship program, students actually receive a waiver to attend one of the state's public universities. As a result, universities who are already struggling with funding issues are burdened with additional costs. Meanwhile, recent reports have uncovered instances of abuse within the program. With a growing number of my colleagues beginning to agree that abolishing the program is the wisest course of action, I think there is a chance action could be taken in the near future. However, there remain a number of lawmakers who are opposed to getting rid of the program entirely.

If we can't completely abolish it, I am hopeful that we can at least reform the process in a meaningful way. I believe that the way my office has handled the legislative scholarship program -- by using a screening board, income guidelines and an emphasis on scholastics -- has been beyond reproach. However, I've lost confidence in some of my colleagues to avoid abuse and, as a result, would vote to abolish the program.

Luechtefeld:

Yes, they should be abolished and I do expect to see some legislative action on the topic this spring.

Cavaletto:

I have chosen not to award any legislative scholarships this year.I know many of my colleagues are choosing to do the same.

What other issues do you feel are important to your constituents, and what's being done to address them?

Costello:

Obviously job creation is a major priority. While there are no easy solutions, there are immediate steps we can take to help spur job growth in our area. For instance, I am the chief sponsor of legislation to lower the corporate tax rate, which would be of great help in competing with Missouri and other states for jobs.

My background in law enforcement has led me to advocate for legislation protecting the residents of the 116th District from sexual predators and the dangers of methamphetamine and heroin. Drug use is of near epidemic levels in our region, and I am working with local anti-drug advocates and members of law enforcement to tackle this issue.

Finally, I was outraged the legislature and the governor approved a plan that will ultimately raise electric rates on consumers.I voted against this bill and support efforts to repeal it. In much the same way that taxpayers cannot afford to pay higher taxes, nor can they afford to pay more to utilities earning record profits.

Evans:

The biggest issue on voter's minds is the economy and job creation. We are all uncertain of and mistrusting of the current leadership of our state and with good reason. We have seen our personal and retirement savings depleted. Our personal income has remained the same while the cost of everything continues to rise. And then the state raises taxes by 67 percent on top of that. We need to address the tax issue at both the state level and local level with rising property taxes.

In addition, the declining housing market remains a top concern among the people in my district. Home values have dropped, yet property taxes continue to rise and homes are either selling below market or not selling at all. We have to turn this around, which is why I am initiating steps to bring the realty industry, financial institutions and homebuilders together to address the issue here in the metro-east.

In addition, I believe that the expansion of Highway 50 is long overdue to help with providing greater access to commerce, trade and employment for residents and businesses. The state of Illinois owns all the land for the expansion, the studies have been complete for several years and now is the time deliver to the citizens of the communities and businesses along Highway 50 that will spur economic growth and job creation with improved transportation infrastructure.

Jackson:

Jobs are the No. 1 issue for my constituents. We are working hard in Springfield in a collaborative way to improve our business climate so that more people can go back to work. Access to quality health care and schools is also important. We have made great strides in the last few years on these issues, and I am hopeful that lawmakers will not abandon our bipartisan efforts because it is an election year. We should always put the people ahead of scoring cheap, political victories.

McCarter:

Putting our families back to work has to be our focus. The only way we can do this is to lower the cost of doing business in Illinois by reforming workers' compensation, lowering taxes, keeping the cost of power low and reducing regulations.

Kay:

Job creation and economic development. With unemployment currently at 10 percent, the legislature must get serious about supporting legislation to create an environment that keeps and attracts jobs in Illinois. I have introduced several pieces of legislation to help improve job creation such as: repealing the tax hike on businesses and individuals, tort reform (lawsuit abuse reform), and real workers' compensation reform. Lower taxes and a fair and balanced court system will create job opportunities and make Illinois more competitive with our border states.Illinois' border states have created over 67,549 jobs since January 2011; Illinois has lost 61,390 jobs since January 2011.

Haine:

While it's important to improve our state's overall fiscal health, it's still important that we find solutions to the problems we have locally. In November, I passed legislation that makes permanent a meth tracking program that has been a vital tool for law enforcement officials as they fight meth production in Illinois. I look forward to working more on that issue in the future. Meanwhile, my district office is always open to constituents who have concerns that need to be addressed. I look forward to working to help them find solutions to any problems they may have, and if need be, will work with them to find a legislative remedy for their concerns.

Luechtefeld:

The idea of reining in spending and balancing the budget is first and foremost on most constituents' minds. Most likely every citizen has been impacted by our fiscal nightmare, by late payments to their business, being turned away at the doctor's office because of Medicaid issues or even teachers being laid off. Either we have been personally impacted or someone we know has. The budget deficit and our backlog of bills will be the biggest issue in state government for the next 10 years, if not longer.

Cavaletto:

There are two issues that should be the main focus of session this year, and they tie together: job creation and getting the state's fiscal house in order.By doing what we can to improve our business climate, we will not only attract employers and create good-paying jobs, we will also enlarge the tax base and generate revenue we can use to pay past due bills. This is also the same way we can eliminate the tax increases forced upon everyone during last January's lame duck session.