The challenges ahead for Illinois

The campaigns are over. Now, it is clear. Four years ago when voters said that they demanded affordable health care, they meant it. In Illinois, when they said they demanded tax fairness, they meant it. And they meant it when they said promises made must be promises kept.

Yet, as we celebrate here in Illinois, there are parents putting their kids to bed wondering if tomorrow there will be a roof over their heads. One out of five children go to bed hungry; two-thirds sit in overcrowded classrooms. And far too many of our citizens go without health care.

Illinois is stronger and better than that. The people of Illinois have accepted the truth about the troubles that beset us. They’ve refused to be taken in by the lies of desperate men. They know that the road ahead is not without peril. Yet, nonetheless, with their face to the wind, they are prepared to meet it.

I am aware that many of my colleagues may not see this in our people. But I do.

I’ve learned a great lesson while senator. I’ve learned that when you’re honest with people, even if they disagree with you and even if they happen to be of a different political persuasion, if they feel as though they can count on you to tell them the truth and to level with them about the difficulties we all face, they will stand by you.

Thank you to all who voted and who volunteered in this election no matter which side you were on. Because of you our communities and our nation will be stronger and more prosperous than ever before. That’s the promise of America.

Thank you for keeping it.

Sen. Michael Noland

Elgin