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TechnographGov.'s UI Extension cuts a slap in the face
By The Daily Illini Editorial Board
Posted: 4/18/08 Section: Editorials
It seems only like yesterday when this state was embroiled in a months-long budget fight that saw the statehouse grind to a halt. While egos reigned in Springfield, millions of Illinois citizens waited to see how they would be affected. But eight months later, the budget is still pending in the midst of debate.
But instead of passing a responsible budget in the first place, Gov. Rod Blagojevich is now suddenly concerned with a $750 million deficit. One of the governor's favorite tricks is refusing to release funding that has already been appropriated by the Legislature.
His latest threat is to withhold about $18 million from University of Illinois Extension offices all over the state. About 450 people around the state with families are in danger of losing their jobs.
And for what?
Another press release from the governor extolling the virtues of fiscal responsibility? A photo-op?
Another fight in the Legislature that will make the state worse off than it was before most likely is the reason. Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised.
The governor may not be familiar with the kinds of programs that are offered by Extension offices across the state, but thousands of kids participate in 4-H programs that are a vital part of their education.
Yes, education.
Of course, education has not been a bright spot for the governor during his administration, either. In addition to threatening Extension cuts, he has also warned that payments to higher education institutions to be made in June may be withheld as well.
That many of the cuts the governor is threatening come disproportionately from south of Interstate 80 is not lost on lawmakers. In fact, state Rep. Bob Flider, D-Mount Zion, even came out with it when he was quoted in the Quad-City Times as having said, "He just seems hell-bent on putting a wedge between Chicago and downstate."
One reason why there's so much support for a recall amendment to the Illinois State Constitution is that the governor is increasingly being viewed as someone treating the state government like his own personal playground. His penchant to take his ball and go home when he doesn't get his way is winning him no favors with the very people that are funding his escapades.
It is becoming more and more apparent that our current leadership is not up to the task of fixing this state's problems. In its place is a governor who is treating real people like his own toys. Or worse, just as pawns in the game of chess with House Speaker Mike Madigan. A game in which there look to be no winners.
But instead of passing a responsible budget in the first place, Gov. Rod Blagojevich is now suddenly concerned with a $750 million deficit. One of the governor's favorite tricks is refusing to release funding that has already been appropriated by the Legislature.
His latest threat is to withhold about $18 million from University of Illinois Extension offices all over the state. About 450 people around the state with families are in danger of losing their jobs.
And for what?
Another press release from the governor extolling the virtues of fiscal responsibility? A photo-op?
Another fight in the Legislature that will make the state worse off than it was before most likely is the reason. Perhaps we shouldn't be surprised.
The governor may not be familiar with the kinds of programs that are offered by Extension offices across the state, but thousands of kids participate in 4-H programs that are a vital part of their education.
Yes, education.
Of course, education has not been a bright spot for the governor during his administration, either. In addition to threatening Extension cuts, he has also warned that payments to higher education institutions to be made in June may be withheld as well.
That many of the cuts the governor is threatening come disproportionately from south of Interstate 80 is not lost on lawmakers. In fact, state Rep. Bob Flider, D-Mount Zion, even came out with it when he was quoted in the Quad-City Times as having said, "He just seems hell-bent on putting a wedge between Chicago and downstate."
One reason why there's so much support for a recall amendment to the Illinois State Constitution is that the governor is increasingly being viewed as someone treating the state government like his own personal playground. His penchant to take his ball and go home when he doesn't get his way is winning him no favors with the very people that are funding his escapades.
It is becoming more and more apparent that our current leadership is not up to the task of fixing this state's problems. In its place is a governor who is treating real people like his own toys. Or worse, just as pawns in the game of chess with House Speaker Mike Madigan. A game in which there look to be no winners.
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