“Governor Quinn had a real opportunity to lead today,” said Sullivan.  “Instead, he used the pulpit of Governor to call for a tax increase.  The plan presented today was short reforms and short on new ideas to create new jobs in Illinois.”

Even with proposed cuts towards education and Medicaid, Quinn’s budget calls for an increase in spending of $2.97 billion.  This is due to Illinois having to pay back many of its unpaid bills, mostly to state pensions.  The FY11 budget totals $32.117 billion in total spending while total revenues are estimated at $27.444 billion.  This leaves the state with a $4.7 billion budget deficit which will be filled through borrowing, mostly from the state pension fund.

“He is again using threats, this time against our schools to build his case for a tax increase,” said Sullivan.  “We shouldn’t even think about raising taxes in this state until Democrats finally embrace real reform and reign in spending.  Eight years of government mismanagement is enough.”

Representative Sullivan reiterated that his number one priority is unemployment and job creation.  According to Sullivan, Illinois can not get back on the right fiscal track until the state tackles its double-digit unemployment.

“Employers in Illinois are over-regulated, over-taxed and over-litigated which is why we are ranked 47th in the nation in job creation,” said Sullivan.  “While there have been numerous job creation proposals, I heard nothing in his plan today to reform and improve our business climate.  Democrats in this state are still refusing to recognize that unless we put Illinoisans back to work, tax revenues will continue to fall.”

Cell Phones for Soldiers is a 501c3 non-profit organization which has raised almost $2 million in donations and distributed more than 500,000 prepaid calling cards to soldiers serving overseas.  The charity takes all donated cell phones, sends them to ReCellular who then pays Cell Phones for Soldiers an hour of talk time for each donated phone.

“Most people have an old, unused cell phone in their kitchen drawers at home,” said Sullivan.  “By donating their unwanted cell phones, people can have an incredible impact on a soldier’s life overseas.  Just one cell phone can turn into an hours worth of quality time with a soldier’s friends or family.”

People who wish to donate a cell phone can drop one off at Representative Sullivan’s district office located at 700 North Lake Street, Suite 101 in Mundelein.  If there are any questions, feel free to call Representative Sullivan’s Office at (847) 566-5115 and ask for Jean Smuda or email Representative Sullivan at ILhouse51@sbcglobal.net.

State Representative Ed Sullivan (R – Mundelein) is disappointed with the court’s ruling.

“Today’s ruling by the Supreme Court is completely ridiculous,” said Sullivan.  “The people of Illinois overwhelming supported this law and it was working well to improve access to quality health care.  The court should not be legislating from the bench.”

In 2005, Illinois passed Senate Bill 475 which created successful medical malpractice and tort reform.  Prior to the passage of the bill, Illinois was losing doctors and insurance companies to neighboring states.  After passage, the number of medical malpractice lawsuits dropped 25 percent, and the number of insurance companies offering coverage increased from 6 to 12 with an average reduction of 30 percent in premiums.

“Health care is on everybody’s mind these days,” said Sullivan.  “Throwing out med mal reform is going to raise health care costs and reduce access to health care.  Today’s decision turns back the clock on all the progress that has been made.”

The Illinois General Assembly capped non-economic damage awards at $500,000 for doctors and $1 million for hospitals.  Under the reform law, patients injured through medical negligence continued to receive full, unlimited compensation for economic damages such as lost wages, medical expenses and future earning potential.

“I am very happy to serve on this task force and to work with members on both sides of the aisle to help bring more jobs to Illinois,” said Sullivan.  “By putting the best minds in the state together while working with business and labor leaders we can come up with a long-term strategy to bring Illinois out of this deep recession.”

Data from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) shows that Lake County’s unemployment rate was 10.5 percent in November.  Lake’s percentage is right on with Illinois’ at 10.5 yet is above the national average of 9.4 percent.

“We have double digit unemployment here at home and something needs to get done,” said Sullivan.  “This task force is a step in the right direction to breaking Illinois’ economic drought.”

I would like to take a moment to wish you and your family a very happy holiday season. I am proud of the many parents, educators, community leaders, first responders, small business owners, and working families who make Lake County such a special place to live. We are truly a community rich in talent, determination, and vision for a brighter tomorrow. In spite of the many challenges posed by a difficult economy and a nation at war, I hope you share my optimism for our future. Together we can accomplish much for our families as we look forward to 2010.

In a turbulent year that began with the first-ever impeachment of an Illinois Governor and continued with contentious debates over the future of ethics and campaign finance reform as well as the critical need to reign in state spending, create jobs, and strengthen our economy – we have held strong together through some stormy seas. As we prepare to gather with family and friends to celebrate this holiday season, let us also welcome the coming of a new year filled with untapped opportunities to renew our vitality and strength as a community.

I hope you also join me in thanking our troops serving overseas for their selfless sacrifice to preserve our freedoms. Let’s keep them and their families foremost in our thoughts and prayers this holiday season.

Warm Regards,

Ed Sullivan
State Representative
51st District

The hearing is the final in a series of eight regional meetings held throughout the state this fall by the Illinois State Board of Education’s Finance and Audit Committee to provide an update on the Board’s budget and priorities for FY 2011. The Board also plans to outline their three Strategic Plan Goals; that (1) Every student will demonstrate academic achievement and be prepared for success after high school, (2) Every student will be supported by highly prepared and effective teachers and school leaders, and (3) Every school will offer a safe and healthy learning environment for all students.

The public is invited and welcome to attend the hearing on Wednesday, December 9 at Mundelein School District 75’s Lincoln School Multipurpose Room, located at 200 West Maple Avenue (Route 176). The hearing is scheduled for 6:00pm – 8:00pm.

“This regional budget hearing is a valuable way for local parents and interested community leaders to learn about the direction of education policy in Illinois heading into the new year,” Rep. Sullivan said. “I encourage all those interested in the status and future of education in our community to attend and participate in the dialogue. Together we can ensure the continued strength of our local schools.”

For questions, additional information, or to inquire about special accommodations for persons with disabilities who wish to attend, please contact the Superintendent’s Office at the State Board of Education at 217-782-2221 or TTY/TDD at 217-782-1900.

The Senior Health Fair will feature over 30 community organizations on hand to provide information and resources regarding the various services available to seniors in the community. Representatives from each of the local health and community organizations will be present to talk with seniors and answer questions on a wide range of senior health and lifestyle issues.

Some of the free services available to seniors at the event include; flu shots, photo ID renewal, blood pressure screening, vision and hearing tests, body composition testing, and new copies of the “Rules of the Road” handbook for drivers from the Illinois Secretary of State’s office.

Admission to the Senior Health Fair is free and coffee and donuts will be provided. Seniors from throughout the 26th State Senate and 51^st Representative Districts are invited and encouraged to attend.

“We are eagerly looking forward to our second annual Senior Health Fair,” Rep. Sullivan said. “The local health and community organizations featured at this expo include many of our area’s leading advocates and experts on senior health and lifestyle issues. Our expo is an informative and worthwhile event for local seniors.”

For questions or additional information regarding Representative Sullivan’s Senior Health Fair, please contact Sullivan’s District Office by calling (847) 566-5115.

The new law, approved as House Bill 3716, was sponsored in the House by Rep. Sullivan and in the Senate by Sen. Michael Bond (D-Grayslake). The law allocates money for the establishment of new cyber gang units within the Lake County Metropolitan Enforcement Group as well as the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.

“This new law will empower local law enforcement agencies with the tools and funding they need to make a major effort to crack down on gang activity through use of the Internet,” Rep. Sullivan said. “This law is innovative, exceptional, and far-reaching in its ability to utilize modern technology in order to track and prevent gang activity. I thank the members of local law enforcement for their input during this process and commend my colleagues in both parties for their support in making this day possible.”

Under the law, the Cyber Gang Units will have the ability to investigate criminal activities of organized gangs that involve use of the Internet. The law also provides the peace officers in each Cyber Gang Unit the extra-jurisdictional authority to conduct investigations and make arrests anywhere in the State of Illinois regarding criminal activities of organized gangs that involve use of the Internet. The pilot program becomes effectively immediately and will remain active for three years, expiring on July 1, 2012.

For questions or more information, please contact Rep. Sullivan’s District Office by phone at (847) 566-5115 or via e-mail at ilhouse51@sbcglobal.net.

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“I welcome all residents of the 51^st District to stop by and say hello next time they are in the area,” Rep. Sullivan said. “Our phone number and e-mail address are remaining the same, but our new district office location affords better parking options for visitors and increased accessibility at a major intersection in Mundelein.”

Sullivan, a native of Mundelein, has served as State Representative since 2003. He is currently in his fourth term and serves as the Minority Spokesman on the Consumer Protection Committee in addition to his membership on the Labor, Mass Transit, Revenue & Finance, Public Utilities, and Telecommunications Committees.

The 51^st District includes all or portions of Mundelein, Libertyville, Lake Zurich, Kildeer, Deer Park, Long Grove, Hawthorn Woods, Round Lake Park, Barrington, Wauconda, Grayslake, Green Oaks, and Waukegan.

Rep. Sullivan’s District Office can be contacted by phone at (847) 566-5115 or via e-mail at ilhouse51@sbcglobal.net. Regular office hours are 9:00am-4:00pm Monday through Friday or by appointment.

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The site is the latest effort by House Republicans to incorporate public opinion and cultivate a broad range of feedback to help address the growing state budget crisis and fuel the need for budget and ethics reform.

“Nowhere is Illinois’ need for reform more urgent than on the issues of ethics, Medicaid, and pension reform,” said Rep. Mark Beaubien (R-Wauconda). “Our economic stability as a state depends upon our ability to make long-overdue reforms in these three key areas.”

Stressing the need for fiscal discipline and keeping the state’s priorities in the right place, Rep. Sandy Cole (R-Grayslake) said: “We should focus on a long-term plan to pay down our historic debt while meeting current obligations in the areas of education, public safety, and human services for those who depend on them most. ‘Re-inventing’ Illinois means changing the way we think about solving common problems by encouraging new ideas.”

Noting the urgency of current economic challenges, Rep. Ed Sullivan (R-Mundelein) said: “With unemployment at a 25-year high, we need to reach out and embrace the public’s demand for reform in our budget process and strengthen ethics in state government. Public input is an invaluable resource in moving forward with common goals in mind.”

“Government must begin to live within its means,” added Assistant Minority Leader JoAnn Osmond (R-Antioch). “The people we represent can help us reform our broken budget process and bring real change to Springfield by utilizing this new website.”

To join the discussion on how to reform state government, please visit www.reinventillinois.com and register for a free login to begin submitting your ideas.

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