Let this be a lesson for Gov. Blagojevich. The terrible flooding that occurred in the Chicago area and the suburbs is evidence enough for why these projects were needed in the first place. When the governor visited flood-ravaged northern Illinois last week, his political gamesmanship suddenly seemed awkwardly out of place when compared to the very real plight of people faced with the prospect of losing their homes to a flood.

In a calculated and possibly unconstitutional end-run around the General Assembly, the governor said he intends to replace the $462 million in vetoed items with new health-care expansions that will ultimately cost the state billions. The budget vetoes made by Blagojevich also beg the question: Why, if the concern is health care, did he remove nearly $100 million for nursing homes and hospitals? Why did the governor eliminate $2.2 million for new beds at a veterans hospital and reduce funding for programs for the developmentally disabled?

This is clearly not an effort to control spending, but rather a political message to the governor’s enemies, including Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan. (House Democrats’ projects were conveniently removed from the budget by Blagojevich.)

The governor’s ability to rearrange state spending hinges on the support of Senate President Emil Jones, D-Chicago, who says he’ll block any effort to restore the original budget priorities. But Jones can succeed only if the 36 other Democrats in the state Senate go along. That’s where the public needs to focus their attention. Suburban residents should accept no excuses from senators who choose Jones and Blagojevich over the interests of their own constituents.

Sincerely,

Christine Radogno

State Senator

41st District 

Senator Radogno also spoke to the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Pioneer Press and the Bloomington Pantagraph regarding the Governor's veto of millions of dollars in important projects.