Illinois' top export: federal tax dollars

I recently complained about the lack of leadership by our two state senators by pointing out they do not work to obtain a return on our federal tax dollars.

Here are the facts:

We are ranked 45th in the return of our federal tax dollars.

Solving the financial relationship between Washington, D.C., and Springfield needs to be our first priority.

The No. 1 Illinois export is our federal tax dollars.

While Illinois sends $89 billion to Washington, D.C., we receive only $65 billion in federal assistance.

The difference of $24 billion represents the Illinois export of our federal taxes to the rest of the nation.

This is an amount that equals 41 percent of the $59 billion Illinois state budget. The $24 billion loss has a staggering impact on our families and communities.

This inequality costs each man, woman and child in Illinois $1,800.

Senators Obama and Durbin take note. One of you is running for president and the other is coming up for a re-election.

How about working for us back here in Illinois!

Peter Brunk

Palatine