Although bipartisan support for the Grand Bargain is evident, the premise of the state budget measure is under heavy scrutiny and criticism by leading conservatives. And while Democrats want to raise taxes and Republicans seek tax relief, both sides agree, if not now then when.
The decision by the Democrats not to vote on the measure on March 1 reiterates not only the controversy surrounding the proposed legislation but also the lack of support for each element of the bill.
State Rep. Dave Severin (R-Marion) recently spoke with Tom Miller of WJPF News Radio and offered his thoughts on how to proceed with balancing the state’s budget as well as other topics that included what is getting done in Springfield and strict EPA regulations particularly regarding the southern Illinois coal industry.
In response to comments by Miller regarding the stringent state and local EPA regulations, Severin said: “Illinois coal, of course, is very important to southern Illinois and the whole state in terms of jobs. Those restrictions, they are stringent, and of course, we take great pride in the safety in the coal mining industry in Illinois, but it has to be something that also does not hinder production in our industry. We have to find a way to work together, to be safe, but also to be competitive and productive.”
The discussion also covered a bill to ensure women have access to abortions. Recent changes in Washington prompted a northern Illinois legislator to introduce the state bill that is is supposed to send a message to President Donald Trump.
Severin, who is vocal about his anti-abortion stance, said he understands the message is meant for the president, however his message to the people of Illinois is a complete contrast. Severin said he is against House Bill 40 and his message is, “We don’t need to spend another $1.8 million or whatever the cost may end up being to provide abortions to Illinoisans.” He goes on to say that taxpayers would have to pick up the tab and he just doesn't think that’s right.
Other actions recently taken on the House floor include approval and the passage of a bill adding the word aggravated in DWI cases involving driving the wrong direction on a one-way street. Severin said the legislation has merit.
“It passed overwhelmingly," Severin said. "We have people in Illinois right now that are hurting as a result of an accident in Atlanta. The guy was going the wrong way on a six-lane highway, and six people were killed. It’s a very serious thing, even though we don’t have a budget and there is a lot of anxiety surrounding that fact, some things are being done on the floor each day.”
Despite the anxiety over the state budget, Severin said he remains optimistic and urges anyone that prays to pray.
“We need help to take care of Illinois now," Severin said. "You can’t keep raising and adding taxes; it does not work. It won’t work because of the 40,000 people that left the state last year because of no jobs and businesses moving out, so what are we going to do, raise taxes on the people that are here to create more havoc? It won’t work. Everyone wants to talk about new revenue, and yet don’t want to be more responsible with what we do have.”
As a business owner, Severin said he knows that when challenges come up it’s necessary to make adjustments. He said we don’t need politicians; we need statesmen and Illinoisans that are willing to make the hard, yet right decisions.
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