Lawmakers jumping to a vote too quickly
Dear General Assembly member:
I am certain you are getting feedback about the “pension fix” that no one has time to adequately peruse. The “new” solutions that the designated group spent months drafting. The “original” treatment for a long-festering problem. The creative plan to stabilize the deplorable financial condition of Illinois. A solution to a 30-year growing crisis for all of Illinois. A solution so thorough that it justifies the cost of the General Assembly’s paychecks. A plan that is so comprehensive (as the poor economic health of Illinois is so grandiose in scope) that it demanded months of deep thinking and crafting. An expansive plan that demonstrates a real change in the way Illinois taxpayers are used to viewing decisions made in Illinois politics. A real solution!
Or, business as usual.
The governor said he would sign the solution before it was released. Legislators were calling colleagues to approve the plan before they read it. A prediction of a vote on Tuesday even before a bill had been filed was mentioned.
It appears that much hard work has been rewarded in the Illinois Way. King Madigan tells the elected subjects the end game, and the players craft a side show performance and dance. Who will be surprised when the new plan produces the old result?
Change requires a change. Do the same thing and the same result will occur. (I wonder, if the king wore a red ball on his nose would the General Assembly explain it as something we should all do?)
From a taxpaying citizen of Illinois.
Alan P. Murdoch
Arlington Heights