Life in Springfield

Last week I spent two days in the beautiful capital city of Springfield. This is truly a spectacle to see. People from all over the state representing various interests are converging on the Capital trying to advance their particular issues. The problem as I see it is there are too many issues and little or no state fiscal plan. The legislature is locked by special interests and the lack of leadership by the Governor has not helped in developing a comprehensive overhaul of the fiscal operations of the State of Illinois. Last Thursday, the Capital was overrun by people! This is the high season for school groups to visit Springfield and the Capital was full of students, as well as a large group of disabled people and their advocates held a rally in the rotunda at noon. In addition, there was a large delegation of Ameren customers lobbying for an electric rate freeze, advocates of mass transit lobbying for funding and a plan for mass transit, as well as educators lobbying for additional school funding.

Today is Lobby Day in Springfield! It is expected that as many as 8000 educators will descend on the Capital today demanding increased state funding for education. It is interesting that in a state that ranks near the top in per capita income can be so near the bottom in support for public education. Perhaps if legislators were only allowed to serve one longer term they would be able to better act in the public interest instead of always having to run for re-election. It will be interesting to see if all of this pressure and chaos results in any funding bills being moved this week. There are rumors that there may be action of HB 750 on Thursday of this week.