English: Gov. Pat Quinn making a point at Green Expo (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn (D) took drastic measures to “encourage” lawmakers to halt bleeding budget problems. The state of Illinois has an unfunded pension liability of over $100 billion. For months state legislators have deliberated to provide answers to this engorged fiasco, but to no avail have they come to a compromise. Last month, lawmakers formed a committee to find a solution. This was the solution they derived after years of debate.
It should come as no surprise to regular visitors of this blog that I have become embarrassed to live in this state. I sure I’m not the only one. There are a plethora of blunders to provide as examples as to my reasoning; from April’s reveal of Medicaid payments to INELIGIBLE recipients to having a worse credit rating than the African country of Botswana. I could go on and on. But I will spare the state anymore embarrassment. As much as I’m embarrassed at my lawmakers, I am still proud to be an Illinoisan.
At this point I think it is fair to state that the state of Illinois is the most poorly governed state in the country. It is probably in the direst economic situation, most directly because of political failures. Additionally, some of you may know of my disdain in the manner this state is governed by Gov. Quinn. He has essentially allowed Speaker Mike Madigan to govern the state. Some critics have called him Governor Jell-O. I have never called him that. Regardless of his political blunders I believe there should be some respect for the office of governor.
Well after many months it seems my governor may have developed a “spine.” The governor this past week froze the paychecks of all state lawmakers, including his own. He has said that they will remain frozen until a plausible and effective solution is ascertained in regards to the pension crisis.
Many critics have stated that this is more of a grandstanding, political maneuver only done to please the populace. That may very well be true. But, I am glad something is being done. As I argued last December, many politicians have lost the “incentive” to do their job simply because their benefits are guaranteed.
I think this move will finally make these lawmakers do their job. It is quite pathetic that it has to be done, but they put themselves in this position. After all why should they be paid, or given any entitlement, if they fail to do their job? Are you guaranteed of a paycheck regardless if you do your job or not? Because I certainly I’m not. Nor should my state lawmakers.
Hopefully this method can be implanted on a national level. Maybe then we can avoid a “fiscal cliff” or economic calamity every six months. Wouldn’t that be nice for a change?
Do you think this method will prove effective?
Should it be implanted on a national level?
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Twitter: @adrakontaidis & @talkrealdebate
