In the News

Pioneer Press, March 3, 2009

State Sen. Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest) and State Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park) met with hundreds of constituents at three town hall meetings Saturday and dealt with angry questions about state government.

Over 100 residents showed up at the first meeting in Lake Forest Saturday morning, with standing room only in the meeting room at Lake Forest Health and Fitness Center. The questions at times drew applause from the crowd, with anger voiced about mismanagement in the state, lack of transparency, taxes, Medicare payments that are six months behind, road conditions, pensions, accountability, taxes, free rides for seniors and new controversy surrounding the appointment of Roland Burris to Barack Obama's Senate seat.

Garrett and May answered every question, calmed the anger and assured the residents that their concerns would be acted upon. Issues raised "will be parlayed back to leadership in Springfield ," Garrett said.

One of the first questions was about the six to eight month lag time it takes the state to make Medicare payments to health-care providers.

"We're in dire straits," Garrett said of the state budget, which she said is between $7 and $12 billion. "On March 15, the state may not have money to pay its payroll. Bad management of the previous administration, tough economic times and the increase of Medicaid patients is dramatic. All these things have gotten us to this position."

She said that the next budget in May have legislation that adds a revenue stream to pay down the Medicaid bills.

"Illinois is not different than other states" in terms of its debt level, she said.

Questions about federal stimulus money the state will receive and who will be overseeing its distribution also were asked.

"We will be receiving about $1 billion from Washington," Garrett said. "There will be oversight, I can promise you that. We'll be making sure projects are done in a transparent way."

"We're also trying to track the energy efficiency money, schools money and the money for diesel retrofits through the EPA," May said.

"There have been difficult times, but now it feels like springtime in Springfield, now that we've got a new governor. I'm very pleased," said May.

Gil Clark of Lake Forest asked about the state "steadfastly refusing" to ensure potential retiree benefits and medical funds. "You have let this happen over the years. Why should we believe this year is anything different? Every year there has been a Band-Aid budget. Every year there is a shortfall because the Band-Aid falls off," he said, to which many in the room clapped their hands in agreement.

"You are right. If I was sitting in your chair, I would feel the same way. Mismanagement of the state is first and foremost on peoples' minds. People in there now are totally dedicated to making it work," Garrett responded.

Peter Bensinger of Lake Forest said he thinks blame should be placed on the campaign finance laws in the state.

"We need campaign finance reform. How can you get these bills voted on?," Bensinger asked.

"Put pressure on people," May told him, adding that she is committed to bills currently in executive committee that would limit political contributions.

"The time is now," May said to pass those bills to guarantee reform.

May and Garrett left after 90 minutes, heading for their second town hall meeting of the day in Deerfield. They wrapped up the day's meetings in Glencoe that afternoon.