‘Illinoisans will be paying a very hefty price’

Local state lawmakers react to Pritzker’s budget address

By DEREK BARICHELLO dbarichello@shawmedia.com

Gov. JB Pritzker called Wednesday for making preschool available to every 3- and 4-year-old in the state within four years, starting with a $440 million investment to bring 5,000 additional children into the program this fall.

State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, was glad to see the governor acknowledge the importance of child care during his address.

“Child care has been one of my top priorities that I truly believe should be a major focal point for the state,” said Rezin, who serves as the minority spokesperson for the Senate Early Childhood Education Committee. “I look forward to working on ideas and solutions to help benefit hardworking Illinois families who are struggling to gain access to this critical service.”

Rezin also said she was disappointed the governor’s proposal increased the state’s permanent spending by $3 billion.

“He is doing nothing more than spending us into a major tax increase in the near future,” Rezin said. “If we commit to this permanent spending and the nation falls into a recession, Illinoisans will be paying a very hefty price. It may be difficult for the governor and the majority party to contain themselves, but we have to responsibly prioritize our state’s spending.”

Pritzker’s budget also includes $100 million to build facilities to house the expanded programs. There’s $70 million to expand participation in childcare for parents who need to work or attend school by increasing the income threshold, and $20 million to revamp the pro- vider-payment system.

Pritzker declined to discuss other initiatives he would propose in the coming year after a $50 billion budget in the current year.

State Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, said Wednesday’s address was the first step in the process of negotiating the state’s yearly spending plan.

“As a tireless advocate for our communities, I plan to thoroughly review the budget, as well as meet with local leaders and stakeholders to ensure our voices are heard in Springfield and our communities’ needs are being met,” Yednock said, noting affordable health care and an improved economy as his priorities. “I will push for a fair and responsible budget that invests in our schools, supports seniors and provides the resources we need to keep our communities safe.”

State Sen. Thomas Bennett, R-Gibson City, said he is in favor of ending “reckless spending” and “partisan pork projects.”

“The people of Illinois deserve something better than another partisan plan drawn up behind closed doors during the late hours of the night,” Bennett said. “State spending is at historic levels, yet we still keep hearing about crisis after crisis within state agencies, especially those that are charged with caring for our most vulnerable citizens, including a director repeatedly being found to be in contempt of court.

“This broken process has to end. The taxpayers deserve an open and transparent process that prioritizes spending where it is needed most, and that shows discipline with their money.”

State Sen. Win Stoller, R-Germantown Hills, said there were many good things included in the governor’s budget proposal lawmakers can agree upon, “the fact remains that Illinois is facing a fiscal cliff and we simply cannot afford everything the governor wants if we are to avoid a major tax increase in the future.”

“Illinois is no longer receiving the massive pandemic stimulus influx from the federal government, so it would be fiscally irresponsible to continue spending as if that money will still be coming in year after year,” Stoller said. “It may be hard for Democratic lawmakers to accept, but we cannot continue creating new spending programs like millions of dollars for illegal immigrant welcoming centers. Before we create any new spending, we have a duty to address real issues and priorities like our growing pension liabilities.”

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The Oglesby Elks Lodge recently made a $70,000 donation to assist Lighted Way Children’s Developmental Center in La Salle with its new facility opening in August.

Under the theme “Elks Care, Elks Share,” the Lodge No. 2360 gift will help pay for a special outdoor playground at Lighted Way’s new home at 1445 Chartres St.

In an emotional ceremony at the lodge at 800 E. Walnut St., Ken Ficek, Elks past exalted ruler, grant coordinator and Children’s Care Committee member, said, “In our 57 years of existence, we cannot recall another event of this importance.”

Lighted Way Executive Director Jessica Kreiser and Jim and Amy Bolelli, parents of a former Lighted Way student, also spoke. The Bolellis daughter, Gabby, graduated from Lighted Way in May and died at age 22 in October. A piece in the new playground will be named the “Gabby Go

Round.”

A contribution to the Elks from the estate of Anita Copeland of Peru “was instrumental in our being able to make this donation,” Ficek said. Copeland died in April 2018 at age 91.

Ficek credited attorney Jim McPhe- dran and Hometown National Bank’s Philip Slevin, Tammy Humpage and Peter Corgiat (retired) for helping facilitate the Copeland bequest.

Ficek lauded the work currently being done for 47 students at Lighted Way.

“If you visit Lighted Way, you will see very special people working with children who need help. When we heard they purchased the former nursing home on Chartres Street –Airport Road to us old-timers – we asked ‘How can we help?’ ”

The gift covers the entire cost of the playground’s flooring.

“Elk members feel our donation fulfills Anita Copeland’s wishes that her funds be used to assist children, especially those with special needs,” Ficek said.

Ficek was joined by Elks Exalted Ruler Lisa Fultz, incoming Exalted Ruler and Children’s Care Committee member Sam Sankovic, and former Treasurer and Children’s Care Committee member Paul Danekas.

“Elks invest in their communities through grant programs that help children grow up healthy and drug-free; meet the needs of today’s veterans; support the local food pantry, local schools, fire departments, ‘Shop with a Cop’ programs, Horizon House and PADS homeless shelter; and improve the quality of life where they recognize the need,” Ficek said. “New members are welcome. Be part of a benevolent organization that cares and shares.”