The Mike Bertelsen Project

confidence index

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 04:50:45 PDT

We hear much about consumer confidence. Have you ever thought of merchant confidence? The businesses that produce the jobs of Main Street and keep local economies humming are very important. We think perhaps too big at times. That's easy to do. The media has much to do with that attitude.

The MerchantCircle Merchant Confidence Index Survey was released for Q2 back in June and I wanted to share these results. I just discovered this blog entry.

A summary of mine has respondents seeing hiring go up just a bit and overall revenues to remain mostly the same. My "instant look" saw confidence vastly unchanged. These merchants are positive. They frankly are to be commended for their determination and bright outlook.

Most survey respondents did NOT use Facebook ads. This was a surprise to me. Since the survey was responded to online by merchants who are Internet active, as I'll call them, I would have guessed that they were using Facebook ads. The Social Media promotional folks have me thinking that businesses are running with Social Media resources constantly. I am in a re-think on this subject. Most respondents did NOT get new customers with Facebook ads. Has Social Media got us thinking "too big" and not thinking of details that keep business going?

social security not secure

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 10:12:54 PDT

The baby boomer generation - those born in the years following World War II up to about 1957 - comprises an estimated 77 million Americans. Those boomers are just starting to hit the traditional retirement age, with a major surge still to come over the next 15 years.

The country is ill-equipped to deal with this influx of people onto the Social Security rolls. It's not ready for the Medicare hit either. Back in 1950 there were 16 workers for every retiree. The system was well-funded by that metric. Today, there are only about 3 workers per retiree.

Social Security, in fact, is even more troubled than the calculation suggests. That's because everything you are paying into the Social Security system now as a worker is being borrowed to pay down the massive U.S. budget deficit. Yes, it's true.

When we here we are borrowing an unbelievable 40 percent of our federal government's daily expenditure, that's glossing over a key point. About half of our tax revenue now comes from Social Security taxes! Around 50 percent of Americans pay no income tax, but they do pay Social Security tax. Take away Social Security tax, then the federal government is actually borrowing about 70 percent of our current expenditures.

Social Security is not a pension plan. It is a transfer payment. That transfer payment will be under extreme pressure when we no longer borrow and print without spurring very high, unsustainable inflation. When that day comes comes, Social Security transfer payments will have to decrease. Instead of everyone getting a check, the program will become means tested.

Social Security will become a welfare payment. If you really need welfare, you will receive some level of Social Security. Consider all that money you paid into the system as a tax on your earnings.

Don't count Social Security as part of your retirement savings. It quite likely won't be there for anyone who have enough to be over the means-tested threshold. It will be nothing more than a safety net, not a savings that provides income.

let's become conservatives

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 07:25:54 PDT

Ever ask yourself what conservative pieces make up the entire puzzle? I feel lately we don't ask or ask enough. With a new campaign cycle here for the 2012 general election, perhaps we should go back and examine what conservatism is and what it should remain and become. Throughout the course of American history we have moved forward and brought the entire world together to further positive progress toward growth. Not all countries have followed our lead or have stayed the conservative course we have charted. They might have started and went back to the old ways or never became part of the move forward. Not everyone is going to follow our lead. One of conservatism's goals should be all inclusive. To allow everyone who wants to be part of the movement to be part of the movement. Have we allowed that and have we stayed our own course?

Here we have failed. Since the cultural conservative movement took shape in the early 1960's, there has been a group of gatekeepers that define who and who can't "come in" and be part of the process. That process I'm concerned with has a summit, and that is the ballot box. When it comes to getting votes we have done so much and became better in getting more votes. That's good..... but once conservatives are elected the sheets of music that got us ballot box victories are left out of the performance. Not always... but granted, we are ignoring a formula to success. The gatekeepers became stronger and the definitions changed. Fewer people became part of the process and our performance faltered.

One item is the issue of spending taxpayer money. First, let's start calling taxpayer money taxpayer money. That's where it comes from and that's what it is. And the goods and services taxpayer money buys remains the taxpayers'. Let's hear more about taxpayer money.

Second, let's get more taxpayers. In the United States we have less people paying taxes than we did, say... ten years ago. That is putting more strain on those who pay taxes. How much of a strain can taxpayers take? I don't want to find out. Let's get more taxpayers by unleashing our free enterprise system. Government has put more and more restrictions on that system and it isn't working properly. There are too many obstacles.

With that in mind, let's define what our free enterprise system is. Let's call it capitalism. How's that for conservatism? A big step is getting back to basics, those basics which made us great. If we truly recognize capitalism as our economic system, we are conservatives.

My "new" definition of conservatism declares capitalism can not exist without democracy and democracy can not exist without capitalism.

regulations overdone

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 05:35:19 PDT

Since the new OSHA administration took over, there has been a shift toward stronger enforcement.

More staff has been added and policies have been changed. Fines have been higher. Are businesses being over regulated? Has regulation gone so far as to hamper the construction business?

What is OSHA really up to? In the past, OSHA only looked back 3 years when determining a "repeat" violation - which carries a higher penalty - had occurred. This window has increased to 5 years. This also creates tougher criteria for penalty reductions based on good history. Employers need to have a good track record for longer periods of time (5 years vs. 3 years) to be eligible for 10% penalty reductions based on history.

The average fine for serious violations will rise by $2000 - $3000 as a result of enforcement policy changes. OSHA is also asking Congress to pass legislation, the Protecting America's Workers Act, that would raise maximum penalties even further, up to $250,000 for certain violations. Even record keeping requirements are being cited at an increased rate with tougher penalties.

OSHA has launched an enforcement program geared toward what the agency calls "severe violators". Known as the Severe Violator Enforcement Program or SVEP, it focuses on OSHA enforcement resources on "recalcitrant" employers who fail to meet their obligations under the OSH Act. This means more inspections, more follow-up inspections, and more intense examination of employer's history to assess if there are systematic problems that would trigger more mandatory inspections.

The enforcement figures are in. OSHA has a $1.1 billion budget, $87 million in record breaking fines, and 169 new inspectors. To borrow from Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis' words, OSHA is acting like a "sheriff" now.

Is this too much? I'm not saying to rid ourselves of regulations entirely, but this seems to me as way too much regulation that can actually hamper productivity. The best regulator is the free enterprise system. If a company has a history of safety violations are they really doing well in business? Most likely not. They would continually have to "back up" to correct problems instead of moving forward. This would make projects come in over budget and over time. Hence a company with that kind of history wouldn't stay in business very long.

Over regulation isn't part of the capitalist model. Business is self-regulated. Regulated by what? Profit. To make more money, business has to run and run well. Business moves forward and more inspections don't allow for that. Businesses will pass on their added costs to the customer. That's more money out-of-pocket for you and me.

Congress has to examine the Protecting America's Workers Act before voting on it. Also other OSHA laws need to be inspected and if they are outdated, they have to be taken off the books. Regulation is need, but only to a point. Over regulation stops productivity.

oh oh

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 04:48:31 PDT

The unemployment rate in Illinois rose for three months in a row. As of July, the rate is at 9.5 percent. Since the record tax increases were passed, the jobless numbers have rose in Illinois. Since January 2011 89,000 jobs have been lost in Illinois. This according to the Department of Labor.

This trend did not start overnight. This has been a trend in the works since 2001. Illinois government has not tried to end the trend in lost jobs. Instead Illinois governmental leadership did just about the opposite. Increased spending, which meant a wave of massive fund sweeping, put a tremendous strain on the state treasury. In response, tax increases were proposed and passed. Those increases couldn't keep up because the spending far outweighed the revenues. Nothing was done in 2002 or 2003 when the problems could have been headed off at the pass. In the meantime the very function of state government was put in jeopardy. Needed funding to school districts and local government was delayed putting more of a strain on those entities.

What has been proposed by Governor Quinn is more borrowing in the form of another bond issue. If this idea continues, the spending has to be capped. The backlog of unpaid bills has to be addressed and the pension problem needs leadership. We as Illinois citizens must be vigilant in the pursuit of better fiscal policy. This means no more new programs and cutting programs which have outlived their usefulness.

illinois republican convention 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:52:14 PDT

The Illinois Republican Party will hold its 2012 State Convention at Tinley Park’s newly expanded convention center June 8 and 9, officials announced Monday, August 22, 2011.

The Tinley Park Convention Center’s prime location is near Interstates 80 and 57. Tinley Park Mayor Ed Zabrocki said statewide events that attract visitors to the village of about 56,000 is exactly what local officials were hoping for when they approved the project.

The GOP will showcase the Republican Presidential candidate and state representative and state senate candidates along with the unveiling of the state platform. State Treasurer Dan Rutherford and State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, the Illinois Republican State officials will also be on hand.

a dose of reaganism

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 18:54:11 PDT

I was watching Lawrence Kudlow's show on CNBC and he mentioned that the country needs a dose of Reaganism. I agree, and for the record Mr. Kudlow could be biased, he was President Reagan's senior domestic economic adviser for just over six years. So Mr. Kudlow served President Reagan, he was "in the room" when President Reagan made most of his important economic decisions. Mr. Reagan had a variety of business and market leaders at his disposal and called upon them to aid in his decision making. Even President Carter did this. Unfortunately, President Carter made decisions that were contrary to the advise he was getting. But I think you get the point.

Has President Obama brought in the best and the brightest to seek their advise and guidance in dealing with this economic crisis? Well, I'll let you answer that in your own way. But if he hasn't he needs to start. His decision that led to QE2, which basically printed trillions of dollars, but created no jobs, was not a good one. In the President's defense, he should have slowed the printing press down, but I have to wonder if he received the proper suggestions to do so. He still had the majority of the Democrats in the U.S. House and the Senate, when QE2 proposals were made. But QE2 failed as far as job creation goes. The Republicans got the House back and the President's cap and trade was unveiled by the Republicans as bad policy. The Republicans cut, cap and balance bill proposed in the House and passed, was not called for a vote in the Senate, much to the chagrin of "a few" Republican senators led by John McCain.

So that brings us to the point where we are now. No jobs bill, but the President has said one is coming after Labor Day during his recent bus tour. What the President needs now is a political miracle. He needs to call in the best and the brightest to help forge a jobs bill. He has just a small amount of time. President Reagan put a proactive plan together for America, not a reactive one. Now is the time, but I get the feeling that time is wasting away, as Lawrence Kudlow brought up.

restructured borrowing

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 05:53:34 PDT

State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka, Treasurer Dan Rutherford, Senate Minority Leader Christine Radogno and House Minority Leader Tom Cross say it’s time Illinois paid its bills with the revenue it generates.

Governor Quinn has mentioned borrowing more money so Illinois can pay its bills. This has the called the "restructuring" of debt by Governor Quinn. Basically this means borrowing more money to pay the back log of bills and to address the pension crisis. The only, but major problem is that's its far too expensive to borrow money. Illinois’ credit rating has sunk to 49th place by ratings companies Standard & Poor’s and Fitch, and the state is now dead last in the view of Moody’s.

Many efforts to implement more reforms and deeper budget cuts have been ignored or blocked by the majority party (Democrat) in Springfield. Many reforms have been introduced and held up including additional Medicaid and pension reforms which could save the state billions of dollars.

We have put forward a proposal that gives current employees options in an effort to stabilize our pension systems going forward. We have been meeting with interested parties this summer and hope to vote on a final product as soon as possible,” said Cross.

The four officials continue to offer to meet with Democrats at any time to find solutions.

state's moody rating

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 04:31:22 PDT

Recently, Moody’s Investors Service issued a special commentary and review of Illinois’ finances. The report noted that the state still has the worst Moody’s rating in the nation at A1 with a negative outlook, worse than even California’s A1 rating with a stable outlook.

Moody’s emphasized that the tax hike passed by Democrats in January is only a temporary solution to the state’s “significant funding burden” for pensions. The rating agency confirmed that while the 2010 pension reforms for new state employees will have a significant impact, the primary savings won’t be realized for many years.

Recent news reports have indicated that there is a willingness on the part of some lawmakers to revisit pension reforms for current employees this Fall. Moody’s echoes calls from legislators, financial oversight organizations, and taxpayer protection groups for further benefit reductions. Many agree that these reforms are necessary to truly address the unsustainable nature of Illinois’ retirement systems, but because the retirement benefits for current employees are Constitutionally-guaranteed, legal impediments may stand in the way.

The ratings agency went on to point out that “The state may be able to use increased tax revenue to chip away at its large balance of past-due budgetary payment obligations, but has not adopted a comprehensive plan to do so.” As of June 30, 2011, Comptroller Topinka estimated the state’s current bill backlog at $7.4 billion. Moody’s noted that the state’s outstanding obligations “will significantly drain fiscal 2012 revenues and perpetuate late payments into fiscal 2013.”

And while Gov. Quinn has reportedly indicated that the ratings agencies look favorably upon his continued proposals for long-term bonding to pay bills, Moody’s appeared at best neutral to Quinn’s bonding plan, saying: “This approach would significantly increase the state’s bonded debt burden, while at the same time helping those entities awaiting payment.”

Moody’s cautioned that while there have been signs that the state’s economy is in recovery, economic turmoil at the national level could have serious ramifications for Illinois. As noted, “Because of its financial weakness, Illinois is less well positioned than other states to handle a renewed downturn in the national economy.”

The backlog of bills still grows. I have said more bond issues deserve spending caps. If the State of Illinois continues to borrow, it has to watched and used to get caught up. Governor Quinn has to formulate a plan to pay past-due payment obligations.

what changes

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:01:28 PDT

Results of the 2010 Census have given us a reason to see why change is nothing new. The end of the first decade of the 21st century marks a turning point in the nation's social, cultural, geographic, racial and ethnic fabric. It's a shift so profound that it reveals an America that seemed unlikely a mere 20 years ago — one that will influence the nation for years to come in everything from who is elected to run the country, states and cities to what type of houses will be built and where.

Check out the USA Today Census page.

Items that stand out:

Aging population booms
Households are getting larger
Asian population is growing

still too high

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 04:45:13 PDT

The Illinois state budget spending has increased according to a report made by the Illinois Policy Institute. A 2% increase means $34.2 billion in spending compared to $33.5 billion that's been originally reported.

Senate Democrats are requesting an additional $480 million in additional appropriations which translates to an additional $1 billion in spending! The formula for more debt is in place. Spending reduction demands need to be met so that Illinois businesses have a chance to grow.

Download the Illinois Policy Institute report here.

"The Illinois Policy Institute outlined a $27.6 billion budget plan that would have been sustainable without January’s tax increase. It included appropriate funding for core government services, and a full payment to the state’s pension funds and bondholders." - from the report

the illinois straw poll

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 19:21:26 PDT

Doug Ibendahl has written an article about the frankly waste-of-time GOP presidential straw poll in Illinois. I didn't even know Illinois had one in 2007 and I don't usually live under a rock. I come out from under the rock more when the Geico commercials are on TV.

But do you feel like you are under a rock when it comes to the GOP in Illinois? You are not alone. I'd say that Illinois is not even waiting in the wings to be player in the nationwide picture of the Republican Party. Doug wrote that U.S. Senator Mark Kirk tells our party chairman Pat Brady what to do. Not surprising to me... U.S. Senators have run parties in their respective states before, why not Illinois? And in Mr. Kirk's defense, he is a new Senator and he is surely to be congratulated on winning the general election in 2010. We now have a Republican filling a U.S. Senate seat in Illinois after quite a hiatus. Mr. Kirk's accomplishment came from a lot of hard work by many Republicans.

This hopefully will be a cue for Mr. Kirk to promote Illinois more within the national GOP structure. Since the straw poll was dismal in 2007, should, as Doug wrote, Illinois even have one? Perhaps Illinois should pass and get over to the National Straw Poll held in Iowa in August. WE could use some pointers.

Doug makes the case for Iowa to hold the straw poll. They have a functioning Republican apparatus that's very good. Iowa is always a battleground state. They are a shining example of what a statewide GOP group should be. Texas is another one.

Let's please take a look at the these two bright states within the Republican National Committee. Our best efforts are yet to come in 2012. I'm confident of that. According to Doug we do need help. But the help needs to first come within.

Let's support SB 35. Senate Bill 35 not only restores real democracy and accountability to our State Party – it doubles the size of the State Central Committee from 19 to 38. In other words, it doubles the chances for getting some real leaders for a change. For a point of reference, the General Assembly (the 97th) on January 27, 2011 reintroduced HB 600 as Senate Bill 35. The legislation is identical to the old Senate Bill 600, the number assigned in the previous General Assembly.

Let's hope Mr. Kirk and Mr. Brady get on board and support SB 35. That's the start to get the Illinois Republican Party back in action to make our presidential straw poll meaningful. When that happens Illinois can at least wait in the wings to be a player.

forward

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:54:58 PDT

With election day over, we can all breathe a sigh of relief. Either our candidates won or lost, except for Illinois governor at this writing. Is that a signal that perhaps the governor's seat is the least needed now? Just thinking out loud..... sorry. Back on track though, new seats in the state houses and the federal government are happening. We as taxpayers have the curiosity clock in overdrive wondering how our newly elected U.S. House reps will do. How will the President handle all of this?

The nation is surely changing. Taxation, jobs, health care, national security, war and welfare are topics that need attention. We all know that. Will the collective bodies of government come together so positive solutions are at hand? We'll have to wait and see. But that doesn't mean our voices must remain silent. Obviously our voices weren't silent on November 2, 2010.

My best to all of those who were elected or re-elected. We as public servants must keep those we serve in mind when we make decisions, especially decisions that spend and use taxpayer money. The mentality that the money will always be there has got to go. That's not campaign rhetoric, it's fact. Perhaps it was about time that less money hit government entities. I for one have been ready for this, however I'm realizing that I wasn't totally ready. That's ok though, I'll get used to it. Move forward with what we have and serve the public with less. That ok too. The American initiative has always been to do more with less. This made us the nation we are today. What got us here will have to work to make us aware that enough is enough. If that doesn't work, then let's find what enough is.

op-ed

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:51:07 PDT

I recently wrote an op-ed piece for the Rock Island Argus. It most likely will appear next week in the print edition.

Throughout the time I have been in office (12/01/1994), my priority has been to the proper function of government. Whether we need to improve services or add them isn’t always up to those who are in office. Often events have dictated what changes government will make. The function of government should be a priority for those who hold office. I am no exception. Waste and needless spending have caught up with some local governments. Now their very governmental function is threatened because there isn’t enough money. The jail expansion in Mercer County is progressing despite opposition to the project. My role, although minor, will help make the project a success. A complete team effort is key for this to work. The goal obviously is to increase revenue. Several questions still remain however and the answers won’t be in for some time. That’s unfortunate, but the county’s ability to function more effectively could hinge on this project.

As Mercer County Treasurer, I have always looked at the money I have responsibility for as taxpayer money. The need for less waste and more efficiency is paramount today. Public servants have to focus on better overall services and better management to better serve the citizens. Sometimes this means do more with less. I’ve always been cognizant of where the money comes from and if re-elected I’ll continue serving with that in mind.

No one wants to see their tax dollars wasted. Local governments may be in more and more of a fix, and as a result may not have the tax dollars to waste. That on one hand is good for taxpayers, but on the other hand they may be wondering why there aren’t the goods and services once offered. Smaller government may be ours more by default rather than by design.

new poll: good news

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 08:03:45 PDT

A new poll by Rasmussen of 750 likely voters in Illinois has Bill Brady, the Republican candidate for governor, at 50%. Incumbent Pat Quinn (D) at 37% and the Green Party candidate at 4%. The poll has a margin of error at +/ 4%. Republicans favor Brady by 93%. 66% of Democrats favor Quinn.

43% of those surveyed said they are less likely to vote for an independent candidate.

This race has been moved from "toss-up" to "solid Republican". 37 governor seats are up for election this year. Check out the Rasmussen Gubernatorial Scorecard.

state senator chris lauzen's property tax idea

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:50:44 PDT

Chris Lauzen, State Senator from Aurora, has released on his website the tax freeze resolution for Illinois. Senate Joint Resolution 13 will provide permanent property tax relief. For more information see the Chris Lauzen website post on this. There is also an information section for you to fill out if you so desire.

I know as a property tax collector for almost 16 years how the tax bill can hit your budget. This resolution is a solution to higher taxes. I commend Senator Lauzen for these efforts. Stay in tune with SJR 13. SJR 13 will go a long way in providing permanent property tax relief and allow many to stay in their homes.

schilling leads hare in new poll

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 07:51:27 PDT

A poll conducted by We Ask America for the 17th Congressional District has Bobby Schilling leading incumbent Phil Hare. 1250 people were used for the survey and a margin of error is at +/- 2.77%.

	AFFILIATION
	Total	Republican	Democrat	Independent
CHOICE FOR CONGRESS
(D) Phil Hare	38.41%	9.60%	73.09%	22.63%
(R) Bobby Schilling	41.15%	79.66%	8.75%	44.41%
(G) Roger Davis	3.85%	1.13%	2.84%	7.82%
Uncertain	16.60%	9.60%	15.32%	25.14%

If you notice... the party affiliation segment of the results is drawn very well. It is the independent block that comes into play. Schilling leads by 2.74%, within the margin of error.
This poll was conducted on September 8th.

The "uncertain factor" still has a chunk of independent uncertains (25.14%) and Democrats (15.32%). The Republicans are solidly in Schilling's corner. Hare, on the other hand, is having issues within his own party! With the uncertain independent and Democrat total at 40.46% respectively, this has the makings of one of he biggest upsets in the nation. This race has evolved into the national spotlight and will continue to do so. If the Republican structure can turn these poll results into money, more volunteers and a strong get out the vote campaign, Schilling will be taking the seat.

audit report for mercer county

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Wed, 08 Sep 2010 10:59:30 PDT

The audit for Mercer County was presented on September 7th at the County board meeting. In the "financial analysis of governmental funds" section it states Mercer County uses fund accounting to ensure and demonstrate compliance with finance-related legal requirements. Fund accounting and and budget controls have been the framework of the County's strong fiscal management and accountability.

As of the end of the current fiscal year (November 30, 2009), the County's governmental funds reported combined ending fund balances of $3,897,355, a decrease of $414,580 in comparison with the prior fiscal year. $3,875,384 or 99.4% of the fund balance represents unreserved fund balance, which is available for spending at the County's discretion. Payments are made by authorization of the County Board or a court order. The remainder of fund balance is reserved to indicate that it is not available for new spending because it has already been committed.

The General Fund is the chief operating fund of the County. At the end of the current fiscal year, unreserved fund balance of the General Fund was $412,946. As a measure of the general fund's liquidity, we (the CPA firm Carpentier, Mitchell, Goodard & Company) compare unreserved fund balance to total fund expenditures. Unreserved fund balance represents 11.1% of total fund expenditures. General budgetary targets for reserves are 25% of expenditures which compare favorably to GFOA recommended reserves for small counties. The fund balance of the County's general fund decreased by $32,558 during the current fiscal year.

In considering the County's budget, the following factors come into play: health care and personnel costs, which make up a significant portion of the County's operating costs, continue to rise.

In accordance with its investment policy, the Mercer County Treasurer will have the sole responsibility to select which financial institutions will be depositories for County funds. As Mercer County Treasurer I have conducted operations to ensure the proper procedures are implemented and maintained. I wrote and presented an investment policy for the County of Mercer before it became law for public entities to do so.

Custodial credit risk for investments is risk that, in the event of the failure of the counterparty, the County will not be able able to recover the value of its investments or collateral securities that are in the possession of an outside party. As of November 30, 2009, there was no investment custodial risk for the County.

My aim is to maintain the integrity of the County's financial framework. Strong internal controls and fiscal accountability are key to good management.

new poll

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 06:09:54 PDT

A new Rasmussen poll has Bill Brady, Republican for governor at 44% to Pat Quinn's 37%. Pat Quinn's office released news that he plans to raise taxes by 67%! The governor was quick to downplay the news as a staffer's gaffe.

Bill Brady pledged to not raise taxes and is standing by that pledge.

rebuilding the illinois financial situation

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 10:56:47 PDT

Over the past two years, House Republicans have been fighting for solutions to our state's financial woes. We have brought forward numerous proposals that, in aggregate, would go a long way towards bringing our state back into fiscal solvency while rebuilding the faith that has been lost in state government. Many of these ideas came from suggestions posted by constituents on our Reinvent Illinois website, www.reinventIllinois.com.

There is no doubt that the state of Illinois is in a financial crisis, and most would agree that a multi-faceted approach needs to be taken in order to meet this crisis. This borrowing scheme, however, is not a multifaceted approach. It is a shortsighted attempt to save political face in what supporters themselves admit is merely treading water.

Below is a sample of these proposals, and remember that none of these proposals were afforded the opportunity for debate.

Government Savings

HB 4800 (Black) - Requires the Executive Ethics Commission to adopt rules for the use of and travel on State aircraft that supersede any such rules applicable to the executive branch of State government adopted by the State's various travel control boards or the Travel Regulation Council. Provides that 3 executive aircraft and 2 helicopters owned by the State and not designated for emergency use are surplus property and must be sold by a competitive sealed bid method.

HB 5488 (Mitchell, B.) - Provides that all but one airplane and one helicopter owned by the State and not designated for emergency use are surplus property and must be sold by a competitive sealed bid method.

HB 6269 (Connelly) - Requires PAYGO budgeting to provide that if a Public Act requires additional spending from State funds, then no appropriation for the additional spending required by the Public Act may be obligated or expended unless the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability certifies to the State Comptroller that the same or another Public Act specifically identifies adequate decreases in expenditures or enhancements in revenues to completely offset the additional spending required by the Public Act.

HB 6870 (Black) Prohibits assignment of State-owned automotive vehicles to the General Assembly for use by legislative leaders, members, or staff. Requires the sale of any such automotive vehicles, with the proceeds deposited into the General Revenue Fund.

HB 6872 (Bassi) Means Testing for Senior Free Rides. Requires that seniors must be aged 65 or older, as well as eligible for benefits under the Senior Citizens and Disabled Persons Property Tax Relief and Pharmaceutical Assistance Act, to receive free service. Provides that the requirement must be imposed no later than 180 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that the Department on Aging shall furnish all information necessary to establish eligibility for free service.

HB 6873 (Sacia) Amends the Compensation Review Act. For fiscal year 2011, reduces by 10% the annual compensation of (i) directors, secretaries, assistant directors, and assistant secretaries of State agencies under the Governor's jurisdiction and (ii) compensated members of State boards and commissions under the Governor's jurisdiction.

HB 6875 (Coulson) By July 1, 2010, requires each State agency to develop, and file with its chief procurement officer, a plan for the renegotiation of its procurement contracts.

HB 6877 (Durkin) Amends the Counties Code. Rolls back the Cook County sales tax from 1.25% to 0.75%. This would reverse the 2008 sales tax increase. As of May 2010 the Chicago total sales tax is 10.25%, the highest sales tax rate charged in any major U.S. jurisdiction.

HR 109 (Black) Urges the Governor to suspend all out-of-state travel for the remainder of FY09, to meet with the Department of Central Management Services, Department of Revenue, and the Auditor General to determine what other expenses could be reduced for the remainder of FY09, and to consult with the Illinois Department of Transportation's Division of Aeronautics to further limit the use of executive aircraft and/or explore the sale of said aircraft.

HR 423 (Black) Instructs the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability to study the actual costs associated the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Division of Aeronautics Bureau of Air Operation's Springfield-Chicago and Chicago-Springfield shuttle service and additional flight services provided upon request of State employees and officials, and perform a cost-benefit analysis to determine whether such air transportation services are an efficient use of State revenue.

HR 1218 (Leitch) Urges the Governor to reopen collective bargaining agreements to remove pay increases for State employees in FY11.

Government Accountability

HB 570 (Mulligan) - Requires the Governor's budget to include projections of revenues and expenditures for the 5 following fiscal years, and requires the budget for the next fiscal year to set forth new or expanded expenditures of $1 million or more.

HB 1173 (Hatcher) - Creates the Agency Appropriation Act to require separate legislative bills for appropriations to each State agency.

HB 4095 (Cross) - With respect to fiscal year appropriations, requires the General Assembly to take into account (i) whether the previous fiscal year's revenues were sufficient to pay for all obligations incurred during that fiscal year or whether those obligations were shifted to future years and (ii) whether revenues for the budgeted fiscal year can be reasonably projected to meet appropriations for the budgeted fiscal year.

HB 6622 (Reboletti) Provides that members of the General Assembly, State's attorneys, the elected constitutional officers of State government, and certain appointed officers of State government are prohibited from receiving and shall not receive any increase in compensation that would otherwise apply based on a cost of living adjustment, as authorized by Senate Joint Resolution 192 of the 86th General Assembly, for or during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2010. Deletes a provision stating that the cost of living adjustment shall apply beginning July 1, 2010 and thereafter.

HB 6625 (Senger) Requires members of the General Assembly to take 12 furlough days in FY11.

Medicaid Accountability/Efficiency/Social Services Reform

HB 389 (Sacia) requires a drug test for initial eligibility for programs under the Illinois Public Aid Code (this would include TANF and Medicaid).

HB 4809 (Rose) requires LINK cards to have a picture of the cardholders face. Adds language requiring the Department of Human Services to issue a caregiver identification card to the facility provider, guardian, or caregiver of a person entitled to benefits funded under the federal Food Stamp Program

HB 5244 (Bellock) Establishes a Medicaid oversight committee within COGFA to report to the General Assembly on the status of the Illinois Medicaid Program and other state administered medical programs and to provide continued oversight of such programs.

HB 5544 (Cavaletto) requires LINK cards to have a picture of the cardholders face. Establishes that an individual may only use the LINK card if the photo on the card matches the user or if they present a current and valid photo identification that confirms they are a secondary user listed on the card.

HB 5893 (Mitchell,B) Requires at least a minimal co-payment for the filling of all prescriptions, including Generic medications.

HB 6139 (Rose) provides that the Department of Human Services shall enter into an agreement with the Illinois State Police (ISP) to allow DHS's database of public aid recipients to cross-reference with ISP's database of outstanding criminal warrants.

Further provides that public aid recipients who are found to have an outstanding criminal warrant shall be subject to an immediate suspension of their public aid benefits, including the immediate deactivation of their electronic benefits card or LINK card provided under the food stamp program.

HB 6146 (Rose) requires a drug test for initial eligibility for programs under the Illinois Public Aid Code (this would include TANF and Medicaid).Exempts Individuals who are 65 years of age or older and residents of a facility licensed under the Nursing Home Care Act or the MR/DD Community Care Act.

HB 6265 (Cole) Ends the practice of pushing off Medicaid bills into the next fiscal year.

HB 6277 (Bellock) Amendment #1 was filed to require HFS to implement a mandatory Medicaid managed care program for individuals in All Kids and FamilyCare. Amendment #1 was not released from the House Rules Committee.

HB 6296 (Bellock) Place asset limitations on enrollees in all programs receiving medical assistance funds to help focus the program on the most vulnerable.

HB 6876 (Tryon) Amends the Covering All Kids Health Insurance Act. Within 90 days of the enactment of these provisions, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services, in cooperation with the Department of Human Services, shall develop and implement procedures in administration of the All Kids program to: (1) Require applicants to provide proof of birth, for example but not limited to providing a birth certificate, to prove the age of the applicant; (2) Provide documentation to prove identity of applicant (this requirement refers to proving applicant's identity, not immigration status); (3) Provide documentation proving residency of the applicant; (4) Develop a procedure to provide evidence of the documented status of documented immigrants; (5) Cross reference income reported by applicants at the time of original application or renewal to other state records, including Department of Employment Security data or tax records; (6) Require all enrollees to return an annual redetermination to verify that there were no changes to their eligibility information; and (7) Require termination of coverage if the premium for an enrollee is not paid by the end of the month of coverage.

HB 6879 (Bellock) Requires the use of 30 days of income data instead of just one paycheck.

HB 6880 (Tracy) Provisions provide for an income cap of 300% FPL ($66,150 for a family of four) and also require enrollees to notify HFS of any change in access to employer sponsored health insurance.

Government Efficiencies

HB 4622 (Pritchard) Offers a tax amnesty to fund college financial aid.

HB 5541 (Cavaletto) Provides that all hiring of employees and contracting for personal services by State agencies is frozen, and no expenditure may be made for the purpose of creating a new State program or expanding an existing State program, until the State Comptroller certifies in writing to the Secretary of State that payment is issued to all State vendors within 30 days after receipt of a proper bill or invoice.

HB 6270 (Tryon) Creates the General Accounting Office as a legislative support services agency. Directs the ILGAO to conduct a thorough review of each State executive branch program and agency.

Government Sunshine

HB 474 (Winters) - Creates the 72-Hour Budget Review Act, which sets forth time requirements for which certain appropriation or revenue legislation must be made publicly available before passage.

HB 828 (Black) - Creates the Appropriation Sunshine Act to provide that a bill making an appropriation may not be considered for final passage by either the House of Representatives or the Senate unless a copy of that bill, in its final form, has been made available on the General Assembly's Internet website for at least 48 hours before the bill is considered for final passage by that chamber.

HB 4771 (Pritchard) - Provides that, before final passage in either chamber of the General Assembly, a bill with fiscal impact, in its final form, must have been posted on the General Assembly's Internet website for at least 5 business days.

HB 5212 (Tryon) Adopts the Truth-in Accounting principals. Prohibits the General Assembly from passing appropriation bills until it adopts a joint resolution reflecting for that fiscal year the State's estimated income, balance sheet, cash flow, and surplus, or deficit.

HB 6626 (Schmitz) Requires the budget to be posted online for seven days prior to a General Assembly vote.

HR 1057 (Bellock) Directs the Auditor General to conduct a forensic audit of all State spending, hiring, procurement, and contracts awarded and the appointment of board and commission officials and decisions made by boards and commissions or those with procurement or hiring authority during the Blagojevich administration. Provides for an oversight commission of members of the House of Representatives.

HJR 112 (Tryon) Adopts the revenue estimates released on March 16, 2010 by the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability as the funds estimated by the General Assembly to be available during FY11 for purposes of the constitutional limit on appropriations.

Job Creation

HB 4659 (Mitchell, B) Utilizes our existing unemployment insurance program to enable employees to share their work and avoid layoffs.

HB 4777 (Moffitt) Amends the Sales Tax Acts. Provides that, for a period of 10 years beginning on the effective date of the amendatory Act, new flexible fuel vehicles, as defined in provisions of the Alternate Fuels Act, new hybrid vehicles, and new electric vehicles are exempt from sales taxation under the Acts.

HB 4943 (Bassi) Creates a grant fund to attract small employers to Illinois, and to encourage job creation by existing Illinois small businesses.

HB 5199 (Cavaletto) Increases the jobs tax credit for a trade or business located in an enterprise zone to $2,500 for each eligible employee hired to work in the enterprise zone (now, $500). This jobs tax credit creates an incentive to create new jobs.

HB 5484 (Kosel) Tort-reform bill. Establishes requirements for qualifications of "expert" witnesses and limits the testimony of non-experts and sets the same standards for admissibility of expert testimony as is the accepted practice in federal courts.

HB 5793 (Tracy) Tort-reform bill. Prevents "venue shopping." If no defendants are residents of Illinois, a lawsuit may only be filed in this state in the county in which the cause of action arose, or in which some part of that transaction occurred.

HB 5794 (Tracy) Tort-reform bill. Requires a court to determine that a proposed class action is superior to other available methods for the fair and efficient adjudication of the controversy in question.

HB 5795 (Stephens) Tort-reform bill. Establishes proportionate liability requiring each defendant to pay damages based on its degree of fault, rather than requiring any single defendant to pay all or most of the damages. Abolishes joint and several liability.

HB 5796 (Stephens) Re-enacts key provisions of the State's Code of Civil Procedure tort reform law of 1995. This law capped awards for pain and suffering at $500,000, and separately capped punitive damages at no more than three times economic damages. The state Supreme Court struck down the 1995 tort reform law in 1997.

HB 5797 (Reboletti) Tort-reform bill. Clarifies that the Illinois Consumer Fraud Act does not apply to damages for conduct resulting in bodily injury, death, or damage to property other than the property that is the subject of the practice claimed to be unlawful.

HB 5798 (Cross) Tort-reform bill. Creates the Full and Fair Non-economic Damages Act, which establishes guidelines for the fact finder in determining non-economic damages, compensatory damages, and punitive damages. Establishes a post-trial review of the non-economic damages awarded. Requires the appellate court to use the "de novo" standard of review.

HB 5805 (Mathias) Enacts the Illinois Emergency Economic Development Act. Creates a subsidized wages and job-training program to offset the cost to companies who create new jobs for unemployed workers.

HB 5806 (Senger) Expands the EDGE Tax Credit from corporate income, to corporate income plus withheld employee income, for companies who create jobs with benefits.

HB 5807 (Reis) Offers a 30% state tax credit to attract wind turbine manufacturers to Illinois.

HB 5808 (Hatcher) Creates the Manufacturing Job Destination Tax Credit Act. Provides for an income tax credit of 25% of the Illinois labor expenditures made by a manufacturing company in order to foster job creation and retention in Illinois.

HB 5809 (Mathias) Amends the Income Tax Act to extend the carryback and carryover periods for net losses by an additional 5 years, from 20 to 25 years.

HB 5810 (Mathias) Creates the Green Energy Business Act. Offers property tax incentives for new or expanded renewable energy businesses.

HB 5811 (Black) Creates the Employ Illinois Job Renewal Act. Provides tax incentives to companies who locate in rural areas with high unemployment (Job Renewal Zones).

HB 5812 (Senger) Re-enacts and expands the training expense credit as incentive to employers to train and retrain employees.

HB 6086 (Reis) Expands the number of enterprise zones in Illinois from 95 to 145. Enterprise zones offer companies a mix of state and local incentives for locating or expanding within the zone.

HB 6159 (Reis) Limits workers' compensation to instances where the underlying injury was the direct result of work preformed on the job, and denies workers' compensation to an employee found to be under the influence of alcohol or narcotic drugs when injured.

HB 6275 (Mathias) Increases compensation for jurors and makes jury service more tolerable by providing opportunities to reschedule services.

HB 6858 (Schmitz) Allows for the extensions of Enterprise Zones for an additional 20 years upon application by the corporate authorities of the county or municipality that designated the Enterprise Zone.

HB 6861 (Cross) Provides that the Research & Development Tax credit is not subject to the automatic sunset.

This list in lengthy to be sure, but as you can see, the Republicans have a plan for restoring the Illinois economy.

mark kirk gets chamber endorsement

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Wed, 19 May 2010 11:08:58 PDT

Mark Kirk, Republican for U.S. Senate, received the endorsement from the Illinois Chamber of Commerce for the U.S. Senate seat in Illinois. Mr. Kirk proposed the Small Business Bill of Rights, which was endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Business. This is an agenda to create more jobs and growth for Illinois.

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is the oldest and largest coalition of small and large employers that reach across the entire sector of the economy. Three items in particular that Mr. Kirk champions is more competition for health insurance coverage, tort reform and lower energy costs with tax credits.

oh boy!

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Tue, 18 May 2010 08:49:50 PDT

The business climate in Ilinois, according to a survey, didn't get any worse. It didn't get any better either. Chief Executive magazine conducted a survey and the results showed Illinois in at 46th out of the 50 states.

The survey used such categories as markets, resources, regulation, TAX POLICY, workforce quality, educational resources, infrastructure, and quality of living.

State revenues in real terms may not reach 2008 levels until late 2012.

listening to the people

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 06:29:35 PDT

Bill Brady, Republican candidate for Illinois governor has pledged no tax increases for Illinois. He is standing by that pledge because that is what he is hearing from the people while on the campaign trail.

Bill was on WLS - AM, Chicago on Sunday morning, the 11th. Click here to hear the interview with Bill Cameron.

rasmussen: brady with ten point lead

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:13:57 PST

A statewide telephone survey from Rasmussen has Bill Brady, the Republican candidate for governor, with a ten point lead over Pat Quinn. Brady has 47%, Quinn 37%, those preferring another candidate at 6%,and undecided at 9%. The survey was done by asking likely voters.

Those not choosing any particular political party favor Brady 59 to 18 percent.

Source: Rasmussen Reports

it's official - bill brady is gop gubernatorial candidate

noreply@blogger.com (Mike Bertelsen) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:58:17 PST

Bill Brady has won the GOP Illinois Governor primary race by 193 votes as certified by the State Board of Elections. Congratulations Bill and thank you Mr. Dillard for your commitment and courage throughout the campaign.