Daniel Sidmore

On the Record

Despite some cuts, the state remains in the midst of the worst fiscal crisis in its history. Significant budget cuts still need to be made, including cuts that will affect services. Prioritize cuts that you think should be made, and include how much money can be saved. Be specific.

First of all, the Governor and General Assembly need to accept that they can no longer adopt a spending plan and then simply find the resources and taxes to pay for their spending. Government needs to live within its means - period. I personally support a 2 year budget process, whereby legislators adopt a two year spending plan during the odd (non-election) year and then spend their remaining time debating spending priorities and reviewing the success or failure of existing programs and services. Many other states conduct their business under such a budget cycle, and Illinois should do likewise. This process would end the practice of throwing money at politically sensitive programs in an election year simply to gain votes. As a non-incumbent, I am reluctant to cite specific cuts or ending programs until I can learn and discuss what works and what doesn't.

Did you support the income and corporate tax increases approved in 2011 by the state Legislature? Explain your answer.

I would have opposed the income and corporate tax increases for a couple of reasons. First, the General Assembly decided what they wanted to spend and then figured out what each of us would have to pay for it rather then basing spending decisions on the overall economic climate and reducing spending in a recession. Second, I would have opposed tax increases at any level because they hurt private sector job creation - when Illinois should be finding ways to put people back to work. Third, House and Senate members were given little opportunity to discuss or give input into budget and taxation priorities. The days of leaving major State decisions in the hands of the House and Senate leadership alone have to end. There are 118 House members and 59 Senators, each with a voice and opinion, and each has the right to be heard.

Several of the lawmakers who voted for the tax increases were lame ducks who later were hired into state jobs, creating the appearance that their votes were bought. Would you support legislation banning elected state officials from taking jobs in state government until at least five years after they leave their elected post? Explain.

Yes, although I'm not sure the lengthy standard of five years is a good idea. A ban of two years may be sufficient to end the practice of revolving door politicians. I would also favor a ban of two years on former legislators being allowed to actively lobby their former colleagues.

State lawmakers in 2010 passed legislation creating a two-tiered pension system for new state employees, but still has not addressed its $85 billion funding gap. How do you propose bridging that gap, and should similar reform legislation be passed for workers hired before Jan.1, 2011?

Let us place this question in its proper context. while teachers and state employees have paid in their share to their pensions over the last few years, the General Assembly and Governor have failed to live up to their fiscal duty to provide for the State share of the pension funds. For that reason, it would be a grievous mistake and violation of trust to force workers to cut their own pensions when the State has done little or nothing to keep their part of the bargain. The 2 tier system for new employees was necessary, but any further claims on state employees and teachers can only be addressed through negotiation. Closing pension abuses and loopholes must also be done, which the General Assembly allowed to go on without review for nearly 20 years. It's time for our elected officials to do their job - and not rely on workers and taxpayers to clean up their mess.

Do you support term limits for state lawmakers? For House Speaker and Senate President? Why or why not?

Yes, no more than 10 years for either a State Senator or Representative - and no more than 2 terms as Speaker or senate President.

Shortly after the General Assembly passed sweeping changes to FOIA allowing improved access to government by taxpayers, lawmakers began chipping away at the act, taking away some of the access it had granted. Is government in Illinois accessible enough to its taxpayers?

No. A transparent government with no ability to hide from public view is a government that will be responsive to the will of the people. An open decision-making process will result in fewer problems with corruption.

Rod Blagojevich was sentenced in December to 14 years in prison. He is the second consecutive Illinois governor and the fourth of the past nine to go to prison. What more can be done in the General Assembly to further combat the state's pervasive corruption?

Promoting openness, restrictions on lobbying, revolving-door hiring, and a fair and open bidding process for state contracts will all combat the temptation to corruption. The fact the 4 of Illinois' last 8 Governors, Otto Kerner, Dan Walker, George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich have been convicted of one crime or another is certainly a sad fact of Illinois history.

What – specifically – would you do to improve job creation in Illinois?

I will work in Springfield to reduce taxation, further reform worker's compensation laws, mandate a two year State budget cycle to provide stability for business planning and reform the State Department of Commerce and Community Affairs to listen to business needs and promote job growth and expansion.