Letter: Why not give back the 'surplus'?

I am so angered this morning by what I read, the lack of depth in a news report and the Springfield Mafia. The Thursday, Feb. 2, edition on the front page ran an article entitled "A rarity for the state budget." The article explained the reasons behind the state's tax revenue that has led to a budget surplus. The reporter interviewed multiple people. One of those interviewed was state Comptroller Suzanna Mendoza. Absolutely giddy she was over the surplus, although she did go on to say that legislators should be responsible in their spending proposals.

So, I have a proposal. How about we take the surplus, which is really our, meaning the people of the state of Illinois, money and give it back to the people. Wouldn't that be unique in government? Give people back their "surplus." It's their money.

In a lame duck session, the Democrats passed a surplus spending plan. In other words, "These suckers, they are too stupid to understand that the money is theirs, so let's spend it quickly before they figure things out."

Absolutely not a single thought given to returning the money to sender. It's only "we have it and we ain't giving it back because we can make government bigger and even more overbearing."

Same on them. Shame on the reporter for not asking the question, why not help the taxpayers by refunding the surplus or lowering some taxes, why find new spending?

And shame on you for not requiring the report to include the idea.

Bob Schachner

Libertyville