Lock leaders up until they create budget

Bruce Rauner promised to cure Illinois of all its financial ills if elected governor. He's been governor now for nine months, with no progress in sight.

We still don't have a budget and our deficit continues to grow. Not that it's all his fault. He does have to deal with a corrupt leadership that has spent the last 40 years destroying Illinois. They had the audacity to present a budget that was millions more than ever could be paid. Surely even they knew it wouldn't work.

Rauner had the right idea, it seemed. Cut unnecessary spending. Then he took the easy way by cutting funds to disenfranchised groups. In other words, those who couldn't fight back.

In a recent editorial, The Herald pointed out that Illinois has about 7,000 units of government, more than any other state and about 30 percent more than second-place Pennsylvania. Has he addressed that?

Then there is the Edge program that gave millions in incentives to large companies for creating jobs and remaining in Illinois. They got the money, but rarely delivered.

Some laid off workers, closed plants and moved out without fulfilling the obligation. They simply took the money and ran.

So after nine months, no improvement and no signs of progress, the tug of war continues. Meanwhile the deficit grows by more than $16 million a day.

I think the remaining legislative session time should be held in some of our vacant prison space. 100 percent attendance should be required. Once they're inside, the door should be locked and not opened until a meaningful budget is approved and signed into law.

Ron Flowers

Elk Grove Village