September 12, 2007

Springfield, IL – State Senator Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) is joining her colleagues in the House to host informational hearings across Illinois on Governor Rod Blagojevich’s budget vetoes.

Radogno plans to attend several hearings, including one in Joliet on September 24 at the Joliet Township High School (West Campus) on 401 North Larkin at 6:00 p.m. She will also attend a hearing on September 27 in Oak Lawn at the Oak View Community Center on 4625 W. 110th Street on 7:00pm.

The goal of the hearings is to provide a forum for the organizations and individuals who will be directly affected by the Governor’s budget cuts to voice their concerns to the public. Radogno said she hopes the hearings stir up public support for an override of the controversial cuts to the state budget.

“Millions of residents relied on the services that Governor Blagojevich choose to eliminate, from health care providers and public schools, to senior citizens and veterans,” said Radogno. “It’s a great disservice to these people for the governor to use is veto power as a tool to punish legislators who don’t agree with his agenda or subscribe to his ideology.”

Radogno explained that while three of the four legislative caucuses are pushing for an override of the vetoes, Senate Democrat President Emil Jones continues to insist that he will not allow a vote on a veto override to take place. Radogno said that she hopes that the hearings will increase public awareness about the contentious vetoes, and persuade residents to contact Senate Democrat lawmakers in favor of an override.

To view a complete list of scheduled hearings please click here.

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