Rutherford predicted bond rating downgrade in April

PONTIAC, IL – State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac) is pointing to the recent bond rating downgrade as ‘proof positive’ that Illinois is going to have to make some tough choices.

“On April 23, I warned that it was a strong possibility that Illinois would over take California for the nation’s worst credit rating,” Rutherford said. “Our credit rating is only slightly better than foreign nations who have had years of financial instability.”

The lowering of the credit rating means a bondholder must pay over 3% of the bond’s face value per year to be insured against default, which will cost Illinois taxpayers more money. This latest downgrade officially places Illinois as the worst credit risk of any state in the nation.

Senator Rutherford also noted the Illinois financial instability is directly related to the Administration’s fiscal mismanagement and unwillingness on the part of legislative majorities to include the minority party in budgetary and long-term debt discussions.

Rutherford urging campers to use online reservation system

PONTIAC, IL – On July 7, the Department of Natural Resources will no longer accept site reservations by mail or phone, according to State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac).

“State park visitors who plan on camping or reserving space need to be aware that the Department will begin taking reservations via the Internet when the changes take effect on July 7,” Rutherford said.

Outdoor enthusiasts will need to use the Web site: www.reserveamerica.com. For more information about the online program, please visit: www.dnr.state.il.us.

“On my Web site you will find the information from the Department of Natural Resources and which state parks are listed as well as their availability,” Rutherford concluded.