Springfield, IL… State Representative Michael Connelly (R-Naperville) was let down this week when the Democrats objected to a motion to release two House Resolutions onto the House floor which would offer protection against tax increases.

“I find it very frustrating that House Republican legislation is being unsupported despite the fact that these resolutions are merely an attempt to protect the Illinois taxpayers,” Connelly said. “We can’t begin reform measures unless we find a middle ground somewhere in between.”

Both resolutions would require a supermajority vote in the legislature to approve a tax increase. This would require a three-fifths vote instead of a simple majority vote.

Springfield, IL… State Representative Michael Connelly (R-Naperville) voted yesterday to abolish the State’s controversial General Assembly Scholarship Program that has been a target for abuse, and places hefty unfunded mandates on our public four-year universities.

“Recent investigations have found that some members of the General Assembly have awarded tuition waivers to children of friends or campaign contributors. It’s sad to see a program created to help students in financial need be abused, but that’s what has happened and we need to put a stop to it,” Rep. Connelly said.
Continue reading »

At a time when property values are declining and property taxes are increasing, the Governor has decided to spend an additional $1 billion over last year’s budget. It’s imperative the Governor do more than just lip service on Medicaid and pension reform and provide the General Assembly with details on those two critical and ever-growing parts of the budget. Until we rein in pension and Medicaid costs, we will be back in Springfield next year with more unpaid bills and an economic environment less attractive to private investment capital.”

Click to hear comments from Rep. Connelly on budget address….

Springfield, IL… State Representative Michael Connelly (R-Naperville) expressed disappointment at Governor Quinn’s State of the State Address Wednesday finding that it offered no solutions to the state’s growing financial issues.

“Medicaid costs are spiraling out of control and are a major cause of the state’s budgetary problems,” Rep. Connelly said. “Our state’s fiscal problems must be dealt with as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

Additionally, Rep. Connelly was frustrated upon hearing the Governor propose numerous new state programs.

“We simply do not have the money for any new programs,” Rep. Connelly said. “The focus should be on paying our current bills.”

Click to hear Rep. Connelly discuss State of State message…..

Naperville, IL… State Representative Michael Connelly (R-Naperville) continues to support a repeal of the bill signed by the Governor exactly one year ago which raised taxes by 67-percent on individuals and 46-percent on employers in Illinois.

“It is clear after looking at the numbers that this bill not only failed to follow through, but worsened the situation for many Illinois families and businesses,” Connelly said.

Senate Bill 2505 was signed by the Governor on January 13, 2011 with a goal to lead to quicker payments by the state on past-due bills, quicken school aid and prevent layoffs and unemployment. Unfortunately, just the opposite has resulted when looking at the numbers.

The Illinois unemployment rate rose from 9.1-percent in November 2010 to 10-percent by November 2011, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security. These unemployment figures result in approximately 60,000 jobs lost during that same time frame.

 SB 2505 was aimed to prevent cuts in Illinois’ bond ratings yet the State’s Moody’s bond rating was cut from A1 to A2 just last week. An average family of three with a median household income of $54,000 paid nearly $1,000 more in taxes in 2011 after SB 2505 went into effect.

“I will continue to work with my colleagues in reversing this legislation and making sure the state lives within its means,” Connelly said.