The news is full this morning of stories of schools in crisis. Schools in crisis because of massive budget shortfalls, caused in no small part by the State of Illinois.
Because the State of Illinois doesn't pay its bills. According to the sign at my son's high school when I dropped him off at baseball practice the other day, the State owes our little school district $1.2 million. One. Point. Two. MILLION.
They owe the school district in Elgin more than $13 MILLION. Which is going to force the layoff of 1,100 teachers and others. In Chicago, the schools budget shortfall is more than $700 million, which will mean the layoffs of more than 3,800 people.
Just what in the hell are our wonderful elected officials in Springfield doing about it? Where the hell is the money going down there? They have shirked responsibilities for years, decades and the now the bill has come due. And who pays the price for their sloth, for their focus on self-preservation and re-election? Our kids.
I've never been one of those who subscribes to the simplistic "vote 'em all out" mentality. But I'm getting closer and closer. Democrats are you listening? I've been a loyal and consistent Democratic voter all my adult life. But the mess in Springfield has me strongly considering the concept of voting against any and all incumbents, Republican or Democrat. We need a change. You folks who are down there have had long enough.
So you're on your last chance. Do something this spring session. Work together and compromise and make the budget adjustments you need to make to get the schools paid, to make sure public safety is a priority. Make the cuts that need to be made to the non-essentials.
But make no mistake, public schools DO NOT fall into the non-essential category. Cut your perks, your member initiatives, your vanity license plates, your travel expenses, your SALARIES.
But get those schools paid. Or come November, you've lost my vote.
Are you listening?
Probably not. Because you don't care.
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