Tag: Education

Pritchard’s Perspective 3/25/13

Mar. 27 no comments

Observations and comments about state government by State Representative Robert W. Pritchard.

March 25, 2013

pritchard-speakingIn this issue:

· House Approves Third Pension Reform Element

· At Mid-Point; 500 Bills to be Heard in the House

· State’s Fiscal Policies Affect University Credit Ratings

· Advocates Discuss Locally-Grown Foods

· Youth Advisory Council Visits Springfield

· Road and Bridge Infrastructure Needs Work

· Department of Human Services Rolls out New Software

· NIU Receives Funding for Roof Repairs

· Give you Input at Education/Veterans Advisory Councils

House Approves Third Pension Reform Element

Last week the House approved another element of state employee pension reform but it needs modifications to make it fair and constitutional. HB1165 severely limits annual increases to pension payments (erroneously called a COLA or cost of living adjustment) for retirees receiving over $25,000 per year. Reducing the annual adjustment and delaying receiving those payments for five years after retirement or until age 67, would reduce the state’s unpaid pension liability by $100 billion over the next 32 years.

The plan clearly changes what employees have been promised during their working careers but then it assures them that the pension system will survive. I argued in debate that the University of Illinois Text Box: During the pension debate, Rep. Pritchard argues for a fairer cost of living adjustment.Government and Public Policy Institute proposal for a real COLA would be fairer and constitutional. I urged that the final pension reform legislation include the Institute’s recommendation.

The House and Senate have approved four bills which I prefer to call elements of pension reform rather than actual legislation. They deal with retirement age, a ceiling on pension payments, limiting annual increases, and choosing between annual payment increases and health care coverage.

There are many other reasonable elements of pension reform that have not been debated and should be included in a final omnibus bill. Among them are concepts in HB 3162, which many constituents support, to increase employee pension contributions and assure the state makes its pension payments each year. This bill is still held in the Rules Committee.

The debate over reforming state pensions has been long and worrisome for most state employees and retirees. It has involved votes on many concepts to see which are supported by a majority of legislators. I advise constituents that this is a process (like making sausage) and one should wait for the final product before judging its results.

At Mid- Point; 500 Bills to be Heard in the House

Last Friday marked the deadline for House bills to be voted out of committee if the sponsor wanted them to be considered for further debate in the full House. As you can imagine, the committee schedule was very hectic and some bills were approved that need further amendments or negotiation with opponents.

In any one year, it is common for more than 3,000 bills to be filed and most to be debated in committee. We learned that midway through our 2013 session, there are still approximately 500 bills awaiting House action. Personally, I had seven bills receive approval, and move to the Senate for action. Highlights of action this past week are listed below.

HB 188: makes it illegal for children under the age of 18 to use a tanning bed even with parent approval. Many felt individuals were ignoring the potential for skin cancer linked to the use of tanning beds. The bill now heads to the Senate.

HB1745: states that counties my hold an electric aggregation referendum in only the unincorporated area of the county that has not approved such aggregation.

HB1809: expands the list of health impairments that qualify a person for a disabled parking placard to include cancer treatment.

HB 1918: provides that an individual convicted of aggravated battery against a police officer must serve 85% of their sentence. This bill stems from an incident in my district.

HB 2232: allows park districts to participate in electricity deregulation and shop for the lowest-cost energy provider. Municipalities, counties and townships can already shop for reduced rates with voter approval and many are reducing costs by 30 percent.

SB 09: clarifies the legislative intent of the 2011 Electric Grid Infrastructure Law–known as the Smart Grid Law–and directs the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) to allow utilities to recover certain costs. The bill now heads to the Governor.

State’s Fiscal Policies Affect University Credit Ratings

Bond rating agencies who have downgraded our state to near “junk bond” status are now downgrading the ratings for public universities. The agencies are concerned with the universities’ reliance upon the state for their funding.

Moody’s Investors Service downgraded the credit ratings of four universities and revised the rating outlook to “negative” for four additional universities. The universities that received a credit downgrade include Northern Illinois University, Eastern Illinois, Governors State and Northeastern. Those that received a negative outlook include the University of Illinois, Illinois State, Western Illinois, and Southern Illinois. The downgrades tend to translate to higher costs for borrowing money, which the universities will likely pass on to students through increases in tuition, room and board, or fees.

pritchard-kennyAdvocates Discuss Locally-Grown Foods

Four members from DeKalb County Community Gardens participated in Local Food Awareness Day at the capitol recently and stressed the importance of eating fresh foods. The local group began with one small garden plot behind a DeKalb elementary school in 2009 and this season will expand to 12 sites in several communities.

Many of the garden plots are located on school grounds where students learn to care and nurture the gardens as they study many applications of food production. The produce is shared with neighbors and food pantries. Shown are Sheryl Nakonechny, Dan Kenney, Nathan Dettman and Heath Johnson.

Youth Advisory Council Visits Springfield

pritchard-kidsMembers of my high school Youth Advisory Council spent two days in Springfield last week meeting legislators, staff, and lobbyists; discussing agency functions; and sharing their ideas and suggestions. The group meets throughout the fall to discuss the legislative process, issues, units of government and public service careers.

Members of the Council are chosen by their schools and serve as representatives of their student body. Those visiting with Republican Leader Tom Cross were: Byron Downen of Hiawatha High School; Brianna Hooker, Michael Hermes and Henry Johnson of Sycamore High School; Renae Kurpius of Genoa-Kingston High School; Kenneth Morina of DeKalb High School; Katie Hoffman of Hinckley-Big Rock High School and my assistant Jesse Sheehan.

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State Veto Session Fast Approaching

Sep. 20 1 comment

Observations and comments about state government by State Representative Robert W. Pritchard.

When the legislature converges on Springfield next month for Fall Veto Session, there will be no shortage of issues to address. From Governor Quinn’s efforts to approve additional spending and borrowing to his vetoes of any number of “meaty” bills, there will be few dull moments. Here are a few brief synopses of the issues we are likely to face.

On the education front, the governor vetoed the $9.1 million appropriation for the FY12 regional superintendents and their assistants’ salaries and $2.25 million for their programs. Quinn believes that funding for these regional functions should come from local sources. The governor also reduced funding for school transportation by 23 percent or $89 million from budgeted levels. Again, he believes this mandated service should be funded by already overburdened property taxes.

SB 178, vetoed by the governor, would strip some of the powers and duties of the Department of Healthcare and Family Services following the employee health insurance debacle. The legislation also provided additional oversight powers for approving healthcare contracts to a legislative commission.

The governor changed one of my pieces of legislation from who can receive a General Assembly Scholarship to abolishing the program next year. While I agree with this drastic action to correct unethical actions by a few legislators, the governor overstepped his veto authority.

Fall Veto Session may also bring about new legislation to address some lingering or new issues since spring session. One issue involves an extension of the Illinois Medical Practice Act of 1986 that will sunset on November 30 without action. Then there will likely be legislation to address a recent court decision regarding labor issues at Chicago’s McCormick Place and the Metropolitan Pier & Exposition Authority.

We may also see legislation to address Illinois’ depleted unemployment trust fund. With high unemployment, the state has used all the funds paid by employers and had to borrow $1.8 billion from the federal government to pay its responsibility for the first 26 weeks of benefits. Negotiations using the agreed bill process are ongoing to devise the best repayment strategy for the full amount owed to the federal government and to rebuild the fund balance.

Finally, the governor’s likely veto of SB 744—the gaming expansion legislation—would undoubtedly see action. If the bill is vetoed, I believe that all stakeholders will come together to reduce the number of new gaming positions; require counties and municipalities to “opt in”, rather than “opt out” of the video gaming law; and eliminate electronic gaming on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.
District Office 815-748-3494 or E-Mail to bob@pritchardstaterep.com

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School reform bill discussed

Dec. 19 no comments

Karen Lewis of the Chicago Teachers Union and Bruno Behrend of The Heartland Institute discuss possible education reform legislation being considered by Illinois House members that if passed as stands would make teacher tenure tougher to acquire, make it more difficult for teacher unions to strike and allow for performance evaluations when a school decides to hire or fire.

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Illinois Education Report Card Says “Needs Improvement”

Oct. 06 no comments

News from the State House

Observations and comments about state government by State Representative Robert W. Pritchard.

Advance Illinois, an independent organization comprised of education experts from across Illinois, recently released its first report card on the state of education in Illinois which contained many low marks.

The report is the first full assessment of Illinois’ educational performance from birth through higher education and can be found at their web site www.advanceillinois.org.  It compares Illinois’ performance to other states, outlines what it means to be ready for transition from elementary to secondary to higher education, and helps us clearly understand the results we are getting.

Early childhood education was graded incomplete even though considerable resources have been invested in recent years and Illinois is a leader in early childhood efforts.  The report found that the state has yet to find a way to measure whether our children are prepared for kindergarten and whether early childhood education alters over time the success of at-risk children.

In K-12 education, Illinois received an overall grade of a ‘D’.  Evaluation was based upon National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reading proficiency tests, along with ACT college preparedness, as well as high school graduation rates.  The report stated learning conditions which have proven to be leading indicators of student success are generally not measured in Illinois.  It concluded that too few students leave the K-12 system ready for college or career.

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Join in Education Council Discussion

Sep. 22 no comments
News from the State House

News from the State House

September 21, 2009

Many legislators have been meeting over the summer recess to discuss pressing state issues including Medicaid and pension reforms, efficiency of state government operations and new revenue sources.  Any proposals are not expected to be called for a vote during the October Veto Session but rather when legislators return to Springfield after the first of the year.

In the meantime, I look forward to opportunities to discuss these reforms and solutions to the current state fiscal crisis with you.  My schedule is filling with municipal and township meetings but let me know if you would like me to attend one of your club meetings to discuss the topic.  I like to explain our state situation and choices, then listen to your opinions.  Just give my office a call to schedule a meeting.

Likely Topics for Veto Session

The Legislature will be returning to Springfield in October to consider legislation from this spring that the Governor has vetoed as well as active bills that have still not passed both chambers.  Overall, the General Assembly will be dealing with 50 amendatory vetoes and 10 total vetoes.

Some of the burning issues that remain on our plate due to the Governor’s vetoes are campaign finance reform (HB 7), procurement reform for state contracts and leases (SB 51), and legislative pay raises (SB 2090).  The Governor also wants the legislature to lower petition requirements for a community to consider banning video gaming (SB 1595).  The House will continue to urge the Senate to pass HJRCA31, which is a bill that the House passed last spring giving citizens the power to recall a Governor.

Other issues that I hope to address during Veto Session include restoring monetary assistance grant (MAP) funding for college students, necessary cuts to balance the budget, and the Governor’s cuts to critical local programs.

MAP Grants Deemed Important

When the Governor made cuts to the budget this year he only provided half of the necessary funding for college and university student monetary assistance grants.  Over 137,000 low to moderate income Illinois students rely on the grants of up to $5,000 per year for part of their college expenses.

Colleges and universities are concerned that without the grants in the second semester, students may drop out, transfer to other schools or get into credit problems borrowing too much money for college.  MAP grants are given annually to the neediest of Illinois students, half of whom have an annual family income of less than $20,000, according to the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Recently I discussed the situation with several college presidents and over 30 Northern Illinois University students.  Most of the NIU students were first generation college students.  Some of their parents have been laid off work, many never had enough income to save up for college and most students are working while attending college to help pay for books, room and board.

A coalition of Illinois college presidents from public and private, two-year and four-year institutions recently met with Governor Quinn to urge restoring about $200 million for the grants.  Their message was simple: prioritize funding for this program or thousands of Illinois’ neediest college students will not be able to continue their education.

When legislators return to Springfield for Veto Session, it is imperative that we find funding for this program.  Perhaps the solution will be part of a larger revenue source needed to solve our state’s overall fiscal problems.  I am not one to support taxing just a few people for money to assist college students when all of us benefit from an educated workforce.

U.S. House Overhauls College Aid

While Illinois cuts aid to college students, the U.S. government is making some of the biggest changes in college loans in nearly 50 years.  The U.S. House has passed a bill that fulfills nearly all of President Obama’s campaign promises for higher education.

The bill ends subsidies for private lenders, boosts Pell Grants for needy students and creates a grant program for community colleges and construction of preschool and K-12 school buildings.  It also puts the government in charge of loans programs which could mean the loss of some 30,000 jobs of private lenders.  The bill does nothing to stem the rising cost of a college education and now goes to the Senate for action.

Join in Education Council Discussion

You are welcome to join my Education Council on October 3 to learn about some of the state reforms, policy directions and funding outlook for elementary, secondary and higher education.  The meeting will be held at 10 a.m. in the DeKalb High School.

I rely on the voices of teachers, administrators, parents and taxpayers in the group to help me analyze bills, programs and issues.  We will be discussing HB174 to increase state revenue and education accountability as well as new state programs aimed at data collection, mentoring teachers and principals, turning around failing schools, and student assessment.  Call my office to obtain the background information for the meeting.

Call the Flu by its Real Name

The new strain of influenza that hit the world this spring was given a misnomer that is causing consumer confusion and real economic hardship in the Illinois and U.S. pork industries.  As a result, I am introducing legislation to urge media outlets and health organizations to avoid the term “Swine Flu” even for clarification purposes.

The H1N1 virus is a unique flu strain that has not been found before in humans, pigs or birds.  It is not transmitted by eating pork products yet many consumers and countries have stopped buying U.S. pork products.  The economic impact has been severe for producers in DeKalb, Ogle and LaSalle Counties as well as across the country.  Hundreds of pork farmers are being forced out of business.

We can assure consumers that eating pork products does not increase the chances of catching the flu.  Each of us can create our own economic stimulus program by eating pork and helping family farmers stay in business.

Illinois Tops in Midwest Retail Sales

With our state generally falling at the bottom of most lists, it’s noteworthy that Illinois ranks sixth among all states in total retail sales and dominates other Midwestern states.  Retail sales in Illinois totaled $197.4 billion, according to a study by the National Retail Federation, nearly double the sales in Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana or Missouri.

These sales are made at 61,087 retail establishments that include nearly 140 types of service transactions.  However, only 17 types of service sales are taxed in Illinois.  As legislators seek to balance the state’s budget, some are calling for a broader sales tax on more services, and perhaps at a lower tax rate.

The Tax Foundation evaluates how each state’s tax laws affect economic performance.  In the Foundation’s 2009 survey, Illinois ranks the 11th best climate when just considering the tax laws.  With all the concern for global climate change, we must be careful not to change our economic climate at a time we need all the activity possible.

More Short Term Borrowing to Pay Bills

Many wonder with falling state revenues and increased spending, how Illinois keeps operating.  Governors for years have relied on delayed payment of bills and short term borrowing.  This past year the state borrowed $2.25 billion in two purchases in May and again in August.  Interest rates were approximately 1.8 percent in May and 1 percent in August.

Even with the borrowing, unpaid bills totaled $3.9 billion on June 30 and are expected to climb this year as federal stimulus programs end.  This delay in payment is putting severe stress on state service providers who must borrow money themselves to meet payroll and purchase inputs.  Some have had to close their doors while others are refusing to do business with the state.

State employees are finding that many health care providers now demand payment for services from the patient, no longer willing to wait for the state to pay its bills.  We must balance our state budget and pay our bills before further damage is done to private companies and organizations.

Quick Answers to Insurance Questions

Consumers with questions about insurance or confused by technical terminology can call the Illinois Insurance Hotline for quick answers.  The hotline is an industry-sponsored resource that puts callers in touch with a consultant who can answer questions or send educational materials on a wide range of insurance topics.

Operated by the Illinois Insurance Association, the goal of the hotline is to help consumers make educated decisions about insurance issues.  Consultants do not sell insurance products.  The Illinois Insurance Hotline is available by calling 1-800-444-3338.

Enjoy the fall and be safe.

Bob

District Office
2600 DeKalb Ave.
Sycamore, IL 60178
(815) 748-3494 – phone

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State dropping “No Child Left Behind"?

Aug. 10 no comments

August 7, 2009

Not since the mid 90s has Illinois faced the type of budget role back and difficult choices about spending priorities that we face today.  Like our federal government right now, Illinois expanded programs way beyond revenues, mortgaged our children’s future and substituted government for personal responsibility.  We have been lulled into complacency ignoring more efficient and effective means of operations so desperately needed when the economy slowed and revenues dwindled.

Governor Quinn was tossed the “hot potato” by the legislature to balance the budget, make choices about which programs to fund and determine what direction the state should be headed in a competitive global economy.  He made some of those decisions at the end of July when he announced $1 billion in spending cuts and has yet to reveal how he will handle another $1.4 billion in spending that exceeds revenue.

This process has not been easy.  The governor’s waffling about what programs were funded and failure to negotiate added to anxiety.  Budget realignment is not over.  We have still to make the reforms necessary to stem the rapid growth in health care, pensions and education which comprise over 90% of the state budget.  Then there are the matters of unpaid bills and replacing one time revenue in next year’s budget.  More tough choices are necessary.

Federal Education Focus Changes

President Obama and U.S. Secretary of Education Duncan in announcing funding for a new education grant program may also be signaling a change in federal education policy.  They are now promoting a “Race to the Top” and likely dropping “No Child Left Behind.”

The philosophy seems to be focusing on school best practices rather than just student achievement.  Most school administrators and teachers have long questioned the accuracy of looking at one test per year and comparing different classes to measure student learning.

The Race to the Top grant program rewards states who initiate effective education reform in four significant areas.  First, adopt internationally benchmarked standards and assessments that prepare students for success in college and the work place.  Second, recruit, develop, reward, and retain effective teachers and principals.  Third, build data systems that measure student success and inform teachers and principals how they can improve teaching.  Finally, turn around the lowest-performing schools.

Illinois education leaders have been following this change of policy and have positioned the state to capture its share of the $4.35 billion in new competitive grants for reforms.  The legislature and governor passed legislation to track student-specific performance data, increased the number of charter schools and funded efforts for learning standards, assessment and accountability.

Illinois Expands Charter Schools

Last week Governor Quinn signed Senate Bill 612 into law which will allow Illinois to double the number of charter schools.  The legislation gives Chicago 40 additional single campus charters, while downstate will receive 15.  Five additional charters will be focused on recovery of drop-out students.

The law also places more requirements on charter schools.  By the start of the 2012 school year, 75% of charter school teachers will be required to be certified by the state, compared to 50% currently.  Expanding charter schools will also give Illinois a chance to compete for federal grants that are available for states that take initiatives to reform schools.

Charter schools are created and supervised by public schools.  In exchange for strict accountability for performance, charter schools are allowed to operate free from many of the regulations that apply to other schools.  The mission-driven environment attracts entrepreneurial teachers and principals, and enables greater innovation in the classroom.  Charter schools are often created to give students an alternative for failing neighborhood schools, especially in Chicago.

Delayed Payments Now Affecting Citizens

I’ve spoken often about how the state’s failure to pay bills on time has affected providers of various services and supplies.  Not only does this policy increase the cost of doing business but also many agencies have been forced out of business when they reach their credit limits.  This delayed payment strategy to balance the budget is now directly affecting citizens as well.

The backlog of unpaid bills at the end of June totaled $3.9 billion, which is over a threefold increase in the past five years and results in providers in this area waiting nine months or longer to be paid.  As a result, many providers of health care services are now requiring state employees and Medicaid clients to pay for the state’s share of the cost of care in advance or in full within 30 days.

In some cases that could mean tens of thousands of dollars.  State law requires the executive branch to pay interest when payment is delayed but several loopholes in the law allow no payment for “borrowing” money from some providers and now citizens.

While the Governor’s office told me a few days ago that $100 million will be available to pay healthcare providers that amount is but the tip of the iceberg.  What is unclear is whether the state will pay interest to citizens for lending money to the state.  I will continue to pressure the administration to change its fiscal policy about paying bills on time.

NIU’s Summer Math College Preps Incoming Freshmen

More than 40 students from the Chicago Public School system are getting a head start on college-level mathematics this summer through a pilot program known as Summer Math College.  The new program, conducted at Roosevelt University in Chicago, is being offered this summer for incoming Northern Illinois University freshmen in an effort to better prepare them for college.

Through the McKinley “Deacon” Davis CHANCE Program, students are offered intensive mathematics instruction and tutoring to strengthen math foundations and placements.  NIU plans to expand the Summer Math College program as a strategy to reduce the number of students who need to take remedial classes to be prepared for college level instruction.

The mission of CHANCE is to identify, recruit and assist capable students whose pre-college education has not prepared them like most other college students.   Thousands of NIU students have benefited from the CHANCE program over the past 40 years and have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, teachers and other professionals.

University Budgets Impacted by Drop in Financial Aid to Students

While state payments to higher education this year will be similar to FY 2009, a drop in state financial aid for students could mean a drop in student enrollment and therefore impact higher education budgets.  Student tuition and fees has been a growing portion of college and university operating budgets as direct state aid has been reduced.

State appropriations for the Illinois Student Assistance Commission and the Monetary Award Program (MAP) have been cut in half for FY2010.  While MAP funding will be normal for the fall semester, no grants will be awarded to students for the spring semester.  This will be a “devastating blow to the 5,000 students at Northern Illinois University who rely on the grants to be able to attend college” according the NIU President John Peters.

MAP grants are not the only source of student funding that is being reduced.  Funding was cut for Illinois veterans to receive higher education benefits for their military service.  Colleges and universities are still required to provide veterans with an education but with no state funding that would mean a $3.4 million expenses to NIU and hundreds of thousands of dollars to each community college.

Education is key to a skilled workforce that attracts business to Illinois and fulfills individual dreams for a successful career.  I urge the governor to rethink his spending priorities and help students and military veterans obtain the education they need and deserve.

Bob

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