Q&A with Beaubien

1. Why are you running for this office, whether for re-election or election the first time? Is there a particular issue that motivates you, and if so, what? What will be your main priority?

I am running for re-election to the Illinois House because I believe that I am effectively meeting the needs of the 52nd District. I believe my experience in the legislature and in the law, banking and business community, my leadership position in my caucus, my relationship with my fellow legislators on both sides of the aisle, with constituents and state agencies, make me an effective representative. I have worked hard to establish a reputation as a fair minded individual who listens to all sides, and I have never lacked the will or the courage to keep the commitments I make. As budget negotiator for the House Republicans, my priority will be to fight for a balanced budget, full funding of pensions, and continued opposition to any additional burdens on Illinois business.

2. For incumbents and non-incumbents. If you are an incumbent, describe your main contributions. Tell us of important initiatives you've led. If you are not an incumbent, tell us what contributions you would make.

Since I have represented District 52, I have been proud to be th elead sponsor of many bills that have been signed into law and that have made meaningful contributions to Illinois. I am most proud of passing the primary seat belt enforcement law (took 7 years to get passed) which has saved countless lives, serious injuries and costs to the state. Nationally and in Illinois, seat belt use has reached record highs. I am also proud of initiatives I sponsored to pass the Aggravated Domestic Battery, TAx Apportionment & SEDOL bills; a bill that reduced excessive penalties for late filing or payment of state income tax; a Veteran's Bill that allows national guard and reservists who have served under hostile fire to recieve domiciliary and nursing home care in veteran's facilities, the Human Rights Amendment,and in this past session HB 5808 that provided pension reforms for downstate and suburban police and fire pensions funds. Other bills provided for non-resident apprentice hunters and hospice. I have also served for the past 6 years as budget negotiator for the House Republicans.

3. Under what circumstances, if any, would you support raising the state income or sales tax? Please explain.

I remain opposed to sales and income tax increase. It has been my experience at both the county and state level that any new revenue goes to expanding programs or creating new ones. It will not solve our crucial problems like full funding of our pension system.

4. Do you support the expansion of gambling by adding slot machines at racetracks? Do you favor licensing and building new casinos? Please explain.

I have always been opposed to gaming and to its expansion; that said, the presence of our already existing casinos make change unlikely. In addition, if competitive gaming facilities are continually built out of state, such as those proposed for Kenosha and Beloit, Illinois would have none of the revenues and all of the problems that gaming presents. I would consider increasing the number of positions at existing casions and slots at racetracks (based on potential, realistic usage). As existing casino licenses come up for renewal, they should be auctioned and awarded to the highest qualified bidder.

5. Would you support giving voters the ability to recall elected officials?

No. The current move to do so is generated by the unpopularity of our current governor and is not well thought out public policy.

6. Did you support the suburban tax increases that were used to keep the public transportation trains and buses running without cuts or fare increases?

No.

7. If you are elected, will you vote for the current party leader of your legislative chamber? Why or why not?

Yes. Tom Cross has fostered an open caucus that allows members to vote their districts without directives from leadership. Tom has the energy, experience and skill to promote our caucus and to push for the needs of our state.

8. What do you think of the idea, widely circulated, of impeaching Gov. Blagojevich?

Please see Question #5. It appears that the governor is under federal investigation. This should be completed prior to considering impeachment.