December E-Newsletter

Governor Still Needs to
Sign Budget Implementation Bill

     Although the General Assembly passed a crucial Budget Implementation Bill authorizing state spending for school districts, human services and countless other state agencies, the measure has yet to be signed by the Governor.

     Typically, budget implementation bills, or BIMP bills as they are commonly referred to in Springfield, are passed when the budget is approved, however, the bills were held up by Democrat leaders and were only recently allowed for a vote.

     Without a signed BIMP bill, schools cannot take advantage of more than $300 million in new general state aid funding that was passed in this year’s budget, affecting more than 725 school districts that were scheduled to receive less general state aid than they are currently receiving. In addition, human service agencies and other state organizations are suffering delayed funding increases that were originally written into the approved budget.

     Senate Bill 783, which passed with 111 votes in the House, includes all budget implementation bills for Human Services, Education, Finance and Revenues. The bill was also passed in the Senate later in the day and now awaits the Governor's signature before money can be appropriated according to the budget.

Medical Malpractice

     I am disappointed with a November decision by a Cook County judge who ruled medical malpractice caps unconstitutional in Illinois.

     After years of negotiation and compromise, the General Assembly in 2005 passed comprehensive medical malpractice reform. Senate Bill 475 (Public Act 94-677) discouraged frivolous lawsuits and limited non-economic damages in malpractice cases to $500,000 for physicians and $1 million for hospitals.

     Although I was not a member of the legislature at the time of the medical malpractice vote, I support the law and I have reason to believe it is working. Following passage of the 2005 law, malpractice liability insurers proceeded to lower premium rates for doctors and hospitals. The state’s largest medical insurer even lifted a four-year moratorium on new policies, allowing up to 400 more doctors to receive coverage.

     While this county decision depicts a step backward in keeping qualified doctors working in Illinois, I believe the Illinois Supreme Court will ultimately uphold the law. I will continue to monitor this situation closely and keep you apprised of any new developments as they occur. I, along with my House Republican colleagues, are prepared to take whatever steps necessary to ensure that Illinois families have access to quality health care.

Mass Transit Still Under Discussion

     As you are probably already aware, the Governor received permission from the federal government to use $27 million in federal capital funds (earmarked for transportation) to fund CTA operations. That infusion of capital will keep the CTA, Pace and Metra from making cuts to routes and service through the end of 2007. However, it also removes $27 million from the pool of dollars available for other transportation infrastructure improvements.

     State leaders have continued to meet throughout the month to discuss alternatives to suffering any "doomsday" scenarios that could result in delays in service, reduced routes and job loss. My hope is that this issue will be addressed but that a capital plan that ensures funding for all of our transportation needs, including roads and bridges will also be passed as part of the solution to the mass transit crisis. Not only will statewide infrastructure needs be met with a capital plan, but it will also provide resources to build new schools and modernize outdated classrooms so our kids will have the tools necessary to compete with a global workforce.

Governor Moves Ahead with Healthcare Plans

     The Governor is moving forward with his plans to extend state-subsidized health insurance to reach some 147,000 adults, a move that is expected to cost the state $225 million a year at the very least.

     A bi-partisan panel of legislative members on the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules met this November to discuss the initiative and rejected the plan by a 9-2 vote. Without hesitation, the Governor dismissed the ruling and moved ahead with his repeated attempts to expand the costly program.

     In his desire to expand healthcare—which is a noble goal—the Governor fails to recognize the dire straits of this already cash-strapped state. Illinois cannot afford to pay for new projects and programs when pensions need to be fulfilled, debts need to be paid, and Medicaid payments have been grossly delayed for months on end. Not to mention, state officials still need money to address growing transit and infrastructure needs, not only in Chicago, but across the state.

     I am disappointed that recommendations by state leaders are being dismissed so the Governor can fulfill his promises and goals as he sees fit.

Give the Gift of Warmth this Holiday Season!

     Starting Dec. 1, I will be hosting my annual coat drive to benefit needy families in the 55th district.

     Anyone with extra coats or coats that have been “gently worn” can drop them off in several locations throughout the district so that they can be given to less fortunate families. The coat drive will run through the entire month of December.

     Drop-off sites include:

• Rep. Ramey’s District Office, 1883 N. Neltnor Blvd., West Chicago
• Wayne Township District Office, 27W031 North Ave., West Chicago
• Elsie C. Johnson School, 1380 Nautilus, Hanover Park
• Bartlett Fire Department Headquarters, 234 N. Oak, Bartlett
• Hanover Township, 250 S. Route 59, Bartlett
• St. Charles City Hall, 2 E. Main St., St. Charles
• South Elgin Fire Department, 150 W. State St., South Elgin

     Please continue to give me your feedback on these issues or any others by e-mailing (mailto: staterepramey55@aol.com) or by calling my district office (630) 876-0703. You can also find more information about legislative issues or get added to the Email E-newsletter list by visiting www.randyramey.org.

Warmest regards,
Randy Ramey
State Representative 55th District