Rockford Register-Star: Gov presses strategy for 'long-overdue' reforms

[Tweed]

http://www.rrstar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050219/NEWS0107/502190313

"ROCKFORD -- Declaring pension reform the "heart and soul" of the next Illinois budget, Gov. Rod Blagojevich trumpeted his plan Friday to curb retirement perks for new government workers to help the state tunnel out of a deficit estimated as high as $2.1 billion.

In an interview with the Rockford Register Star Editorial Board, Blagojevich said expanding casinos in Illinois isn't the way to help balance next year's books and that he wouldn't take the lead on the issue.

"If any of the legislative leaders believe they want gaming or any legislator wants gaming, they should propose it. They should lead on it," he said.

Using a biblical metaphor, the governor indicated that he would consider education funding reform in the future: "There's a season for all things. A season to be born, a season to die, a season to plant and a season for pension reform."

Look at that last line. I tell you, Blago is corny as hell sometimes. Either he writes his own speeches, or he should ask for his money back. During the state of the union he went from air quality issues to the new airport by saying "And speaking of air, what about airports?"

[Radical Activist]

1. So cutting benefits to state workers is more important

than doing something to make Illinois schools better. Why does that seem wrong? The disparity in education funding between Illinois schools is obscene and should have been dealt with long ago.

I also see he used one of my least favorite Republican tactics of calling it "reform" when you want to cut something as much as possible. Disgusting.