Senator Radogno

January 30, 2012

State Sen. Christine Radogno toured the new Mars Ice Cream manufacturing area at the company’s existing facility in Burr Ridge on January 27. Radogno visited the facility with other area representatives including Congresswoman Judy Biggert, State Rep. Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) and Burr Ridge Mayor Gary Grasso. Mars opened the new manufacturing area in Burr Ridge to accommodate the production of a new product line, and Radogno said the expansion will create new jobs in the area.

Pictured from left: Kimberly Latham, Mars Ice Cream Supply Director, addresses the facility employees and other visitors, joined by Congresswoman Biggert, Sen. Radogno, Mayor Grasso and Rep. Durkin.

November 24, 2010

Lawmakers returned to their districts this week to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, but are scheduled to return to Springfield on Nov. 29 with plans to review the state’s Medicaid program and workers’ compensation laws.

Both the Special Committee on Medicaid Reform and the Special Committee on Workers’ Compensation Reform are scheduled to meet at 1:00 p.m., Nov. 29, in Springfield. Lawmakers serving on the special committees plan to meet throughout December in order to submit reports on the issues by a Jan. 3, 2011, deadline.

Medicaid reform has been discussed for years, and numerous studies have been conducted on the issue. The research spawned a number of legislative proposals to restructure Medicaid, but no significant action has been taken to reduce the overwhelming financial burden of the program.

There are more people on Medicaid today than at any time in the history of our state. With the federal health care plan scheduled to take effect in 2014, it’s imperative that Illinois adopt reforms to streamline Medicaid services and reduce wasteful spending.

Read more: Hearings on Medicaid, Workers' Comp to begin Nov. 29

January 26, 2012

Senate Republicans are looking forward to Gov. Pat Quinn’s annual “State of the State” address on Feb. 1, which they hope will provide insight into the Governor’s priorities for the upcoming legislative session.

State budget forecasts recently released by the Quinn Administration and Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka underscore the importance of addressing Illinois’ multi-billion dollar deficit and burgeoning bill backlog. But while the state’s budget woes remain a top priority for lawmakers, media reports indicate the Governor will likely turn his attention to other important—and contentious—issues like public pensions, taxes, and the Medicaid system.

Illinois’ obligations to its state workers and retirees, and to its taxpayer-financed health care programs, are gobbling up state revenues at an unsustainable rate. Those commitments are increasing each year, and without serious changes threaten to overwhelm available revenues. Senate Republicans are interested in learning more about Gov. Quinn’s plans to tackle Illinois’ Medicaid and pension system obligations.

The Caucus also hopes the Governor explains how he intends to meet his pledge to roll-back the 67 percent tax increase as scheduled, and what spending cuts the Governor will support in order to avoid the $800 million FY 2015 deficit that his budget office is projecting. In order to address that deficit, members are eager for more details about the Governor’s plan to hold education and health care spending level through Fiscal Year 2015.

Senate Republicans stressed they are willing to work with Gov. Quinn and the state’s Democrat legislative leaders to right Illinois’ budget wrongs. Last March the Caucus introduced a “Reality Check” budget proposal that outlines difficult, yet achievable, ways to reduce state spending, return the state to solvency, and roll-back the 2011 tax hike. 

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce recently honored Sen. Radogno with its “Champion of Free Enterprise” award. The award is given to Illinois lawmakers whose voting records demonstrate a commitment to the state’s employers and support of legislation that stimulates economic growth.

“One of the most important things I do as a lawmaker is support initiatives that will bring jobs to Illinois. The best way to grow jobs is to support the business owners who employ Illinois residents,” Radogno said. “I’m proud to receive this recognition. Moving forward, stimulating employment and supporting economic development is the key to Illinois’ financial recovery.”

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce recognizes legislators with the Champion of Free Enterprise Award if over the past three legislative sessions he or she had an average of 85 percent or better voting record on pro-jobs issues.