Pay attention to state pensions

Unfortunately the governor has the cart before the horse suggesting tax increases without addressing budget cuts adequately first. Furthermore the tax increases suggested will drive many businesses to leave the state. Most likely neighboring states are already soliciting Illinois companies.

The legislators will have to work hard and fast to come up with some major spending cuts all over the state. Even then there will need to be some tax increases required for this year. However any emergency tax increases should be in effect for this year only. This will force the governor and legislators to work really hard on future spending cuts which will require full summer work as well.

They got us into this mess, so now they should work very hard to get us out of this - like people in the business world would do. They should not mention the cost of a few extra millions for summer work. This is peanuts when compared to the $10-plus billion crazy budget deficit. Much of this was caused by looking the other way when they knew full well about Blagojevich's shenanigans and other big-time money wasting.

They also really need to alter the current pension plan that is so generous that some pensioners get higher salaries in retirement than the average worker gets doing the same job. State Representatives earn a full pension after serving two terms.

With such an outrageously good deal none will recommend addressing these pensions until the state will eventually have to file for bankruptcy because of them.

Robert Kellstrom

Schaumburg