Christine Johnson

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.

There are a number of cuts that have already been made, such as a reduction in the number of state-paid electronic devices, and the number of vehicles in the state fleet. These alone are not significant enough to balance our budget, and put us on stable financial ground. Reducing large expenditures will have a larger positive impact on our financial condition. For example, Medicaid savings of $1.3 billion could be achieved by reviewing and reforming our spending and bringing it in line with federal requirements. Consolidation or elimination of agencies, like the combination of the State Treasurer and Comptrollers’ offices, could save us nearly $100 million. A number of programs created during the Blagojevich administration could be eliminated. Pension reform could also save significant dollars. Illinois needs to return to performing the core functions of government.

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

No, I did not support it, and had not yet taken office at the time it passed. I am opposed to tax increases that place additional financial burdens on our citizens and drive businesses out of Illinois. In addition, I have co-sponsored legislation that will repeal those tax increases and will continue to fight to keep taxes low for both our citizens and our businesses.

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, I would support such legislation. Given the climate of corruption in Illinois, and with the conviction of our two former governors, I believe it is imperative that we in the General Assembly do everything in our power to prevent future occurrences of this type of behavior. I believe that we should be held to high ethical standards, so that even the appearance of impropriety is avoided.

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?

The current pension system, with its $85 billion deficit, is not sustainable. The system needs to be reformed so that funding for pensions will continue to be available to those who have paid into the systems. The State must live up to its commitment and insure that future retirees benefits are protected. The state should be making its annual payments each year, and this year I voted in favor of legislation requiring us to do just that. Reforms must be constitutional, fair, and affordable.

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

I believe that for state lawmakers, democracy should be allowed to work, and that the voters have the right to decide who should represent them, and for how long. That is exactly what election process is all about! Regarding the House Speaker and Senate President, the holders of those offices are not elected by the voters, but only by the very people they help get elected to office. I do believe there should be term limits on holding those two offices.

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?

Given the size and complexity of government in Illinois, it is difficult to make it totally accessible. We have made good strides in making it more accessible to the citizens, but more can be done. With the increased use of the internet, I believe that government is becoming increasingly transparent. I believe it is important for our citizens to have access to the information necessary to have an open and transparent process, and to enable them to hold officeholders and public servants accountable.

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?

For the good of our state, Illinois must overcome its long history of public officials’ corruption. We need to increase transparency and openness in government at all levels. The General Assembly continues to pass ethics laws and close loopholes to prevent further unethical behavior and/or illegal actions. With those efforts must come a partnership with the voters of Illinois, who must demand, and vote into office, ethical, accountable, and honest elected officials. Laws alone can never be enough to fully transform a dishonest individual into an ethical public servant.

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

To improve job creation in Illinois, we must improve and stabilize the business climate. I supported worker’s compensation reform this year that saved millions of dollars for our employers. I would support additional workers compensation reforms that would include causation, ie: that the injury must be proven job-related. I have co-sponsored legislation to repeal the tax increase enacted in January, 2011 on businesses. That increase is causing businesses to flee Illinois. I support providing a stable environment for businesses where they are able to increase their workforces and expand their facilities by insuring we pass a balanced state budget each year, pay our state bills in a timely fashion, and reduce out-of-control spending. As a fiscal conservative, and the former DeKalb County Treasurer, I understand how vital those actions are to our economic recovery and to job creation.