Welcome to my new homepage!
I am happy you have chosen to learn more about government and our legislative office. Our homepage includes various links that offer useful information, hotline phone numbers for state services and background on our legislative and political efforts.

I am pleased to provide you with information on this changing channel of communication. Tax dollars were not used to bring you this web site. I hope the information contained here is helpful. Government should be an interactive process and I encourage your input. Please feel free to contact me with any  questions or concerns you may have.
 


Dan Rutherford
State Senator

 

Senator Rutherford also has a website for personal and non-governmental matters.

Please visit:  www.DanRutherford.org.

 

 

   
   
   
   

 

 

 

 

Profiles in failure - Tribune July 2, 2009

(AP Photo)

Gov. Pat Quinn, House Speaker Michael Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton, do you think the people of Illinois expect too much of you?

They elect you to provide for their well-being and public safety. They urge you to thoughtfully spend the tens of billions of dollars they send to you every year. They ask you to resolve your differences with civility and, when you're tempted to behave haughtily, an ounce of humility.

At this juncture, though, you and your fellow lawmakers have failed them -- the taxpayers who hire you and the vulnerable citizens who have no choice but to rely on the state to meet their daily needs.

All the huffing and puffing -- the doomsday threats, the mild insults you trade, the theatrical indignation for the cameras -- leads to an inescapable conclusion: You may have purged a disgraced governor, but otherwise you're conducting business as usual in Springfield.

You evidently have one priority: You want what's best for the people of this state -- provided you don't have to seriously affront the public employees unions and other interest groups that have such influence with you.

As a result the citizens of this state have endured weeks of scare tactics about the absence of a state budget supported by a higher income tax. What they haven't experienced is your serious effort to reform how this state spends money on health care, worker pensions and a host of other major categories. In the teeth of a recession, you're relentlessly focused on raising taxes.

And you haven't budged from the preposterous notion that you've fully addressed the ethics voids that for decades have marked this state as one of America's most corrupt.

Speaker Madigan, President Cullerton, your Republican counterparts keep pressing sensible reforms of spending and ethics before they decide whether to join you in a big tax hike. But rather than agreeing to those crucial reforms, you stick with your rope-a-dope squabbling. You really don't want to be forced to change how you operate, do you?

You're relying on task forces and hearings. You need more time for study? What on Earth have you been doing in Springfield since the dead of winter? Your refusal to make the reforms and to pass a new budget has frightened thousands of people who now see how unreliable and prideful you are.

Mr. Madigan, Mr. Cullerton, enough. Accept the spending and ethics reforms and pass a budget. Republicans will help you.

Governor Quinn, your inability to be a strong and consistent leader during this passage is a ceaseless frustration to Democrats and Republicans alike. Tribune stories of recent days have chronicled your ever-changing positions on taxation as you try to appease legislators. Quickly caving in to teachers who didn't want their gold-plated pension plan scaled back for future hires telegraphed that you're strongly committed to smarter spending -- until you aren't. Then on Tuesday you signed into law a sales tax exemption for wind energy projects.

Governor, Illinois is broke. Please stop digging this hole deeper and deeper.

Mr. Quinn, Mr. Madigan, Mr. Cullerton, the people of Illinois would appreciate less showboating and more decisiveness. Please stop whining at us and do your jobs.

The legislature meets in special session on July 14 -- Bastille Day. That's appropriate. Your failure to fix spending and ethics is a temptation to storm the Statehouse.

 

 

 

Rutherford offers alternative budget proposal

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     July 1, 2009/rd

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Illinois neediest citizens are caught in a Democrat power struggle as Fiscal Year 2010 began on July 1, according to State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac). 

The Senate Republicans offered their own alternative on June 30, to keep governmental operations functioning until a permanent budget is passed. There are currently 13 pieces of legislation that would enable lawmakers to pass a temporary spending plan based on previous fiscal year levels. 

“The course of inaction that the majority party Democrats have taken will only hurt our state’s neediest citizens,” Rutherford said. “This entire situation could have been avoided if all four caucuses would have been included in the budget negotiations. The ruling majority has failed and its time for the politicians to sit down and the statesmen stand up.”

  

###

 

 

'Wolf' is here; OK 60-day plan to keep it at bay  Pantagraph June 28, 2009

 

 

"Wolf!" "Wolf!" "Wolf!" "No, really, Wolf!"

Like the young shepherd in Aesop's fable, state officials have falsely cried, "wolf" about budget problems so many years that many people have stopped listening.

Now that the "wolf" is at the door, few believe that massive spending cuts and other dire consequences will actually happen - except the social service agencies that have received letters informing them of the cuts.

They can't afford to wait until the last minute to see if lawmakers finally do their jobs.

And many can't afford to stay open and meet basic operational costs if the state doesn't come through.

So they have to begin procedures for shutting down.

Years of underfunding and delayed payment of bills have left little cushion to wait out the political games.

That's why the Occupational Development Center is instituting plans to shut down and why Chestnut Health Systems is closing its alcohol and drug detoxification program.

They are not alone.

Even a temporary shutdown of ODC or similar facilities that serve the developmentally disabled can have a devastating impact on a vulnerable population.

What will happen to those needing the assistance of agencies such as ODC, Marcfirst or Homes of Hope? Will they wind up homeless or wandering the streets? Will they be sent to the few remaining state facilities - facilities that cost far more per resident and provide a lower quality of life than these individuals currently enjoy in a community setting?

If agencies "temporarily" shut down, will they reopen? Will their employees move on to other jobs or other states? In other regions in Illinois, agencies have shut their doors during previous funding disputes and never reopened.

Other agencies targeted in the "doomsday" budget are in similar situations, agencies serving the elderly, abused children and others who, through no fault of their own, need the state's help - our help.

At this point, the best idea would be to approve a 60-day extension of current spending authority - as advocated by most Republicans and by state Comptroller Dan Hynes, a Democrat.

This would buy time to hammer out the rest of the details and put together a combination of structural reforms and meaningful cuts in appropriate areas that must precede enactment of a tax hike.

Do it now. Don't wait for 11:59 p.m. Tuesday. For many Illinoisans, among the most vulnerable, that will be too late.

 

 

 

 

Rutherford: “Our Bridge Budget plan will allow services to be delivered”

 

 

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Human service providers could continue programs and other government services would be able to operate into the new fiscal year if a Bridge Budget is approved by the General Assembly, as proposed by State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac). The Illinois Senate adjourned with no action taken to solve the budget impasse. “This is inexcusable,” emphasized the Senator.

Rutherford was joined for a press conference by the entire Senate Republican caucus after the full Senate adjourned Wednesday, June 24, when no action was taken to resolve the uncertainty of a new fiscal year budget. Rutherford’s idea of a Bridge Budget would fund government services a month at a time at last fiscal year’s level until a new full year budget is approved. 

“Our plan will enable those Illinois citizens who depend on human services to keep getting their care at the same time a permanent spending plan is being crafted,” Rutherford said.  

“I concur with the majority of Illinoisans: 1) they want real change in their state government, 2) they do not want their taxes raised, and 3) they do not want government services shut down.  Our Bridge Budget will keep government operating at last fiscal year’s level. It will necessitate hard questions be answered about structural change in government services and it will allow full debate on raising the state income tax,” the Senator commented. 

Democratic majorities in the House and Senate approved a spending plan that used the state’s most vulnerable citizens as political pawns. The proposed 50 percent budget, passed by all Democrat votes, as approved on May 31 has dominated media coverage and thus forced service providers to plan for the worst-case scenarios.  

“One party having absolute power has proven itself to not work, absolutely. It’s time for the politicians to sit down and the statesmen to stand up. The Bridge Budget will allow services to be delivered to those with developmental disabilities, mental challenges, children, as well as those with substantive abuse and our treasured elderly while a permanent solution is created,” noted Rutherford.

Audio File on Bridge Budget

YouTube Video on Bridge Budget

 

 

 

 

Rutherford honored with ‘Champion of Free Enterprise’ award

 

PONTIAC, IL – State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac) was recently awarded the Illinois Chamber of Commerce’s “Champion of Free Enterprise” award.

 

The award was based on Senator Rutherford’s voting record on issues that affect Illinois businesses.

 

“At a time when our state’s and our nation’s economy face uncertainty, it is especially important that government make every attempt to create a job-friendly environment for our employers and small businesses,” Rutherford said. “I am grateful to have been recognized by the Illinois Chamber of Commerce.”

 

According to the state Chamber of Commerce, legislators are recognized for their special contributions in the defense of free enterprise, and the furtherance of economic opportunities for Illinoisans.

 

Legislators with Illinois Chamber ratings averaging 85 percent better over the previous three General Assemblies have demonstrated their commitment to legislation that frees the entrepreneurial spirit and qualify for the award.

 

The Champion of Free Enterprise award is presented biennially.

 

 

 

Senator has budget proposal - Daily Leader June 25, 2009

 

By Shelia Shelton

Pontiac, Ill. -

Sen. Dan Rutherford is proposing an answer to the state’s budget woes that would harken back to the monetary amounts approved in a balanced budget in 2008.

“The Illinois Senate spent two days — Tuesday and Wednesday — (working on the budget) and nothing occurred. Nothing, absolutely nothing was resolved,” Rutherford, R-Chenoa, said during a media teleconference this morning. “This is inexcusable because come July 1 there is no budget in place.”

Rutherford said he favors a bridge budget that would allow human service providers to continue their programs, and other government services would be able to operate into the new fiscal year.

“The bridge budget would provided month-to-month appropriations for the agencies at the 2008 fiscal budget year levels,” said Rutherford. “This plan would allow the state to continue operating until this budget issue can be resolved.”

The senator explained that the reason the 2008 fiscal budget would be used is because it was a balanced budget.

“We cannot use the 2009 budget because it was $2 billion out of whack,” Rutherford said. “When the 2009 budget was approved, the legislature told Gov. (Rod) Blagojevich to watch it very carefully because of the problems with it.

“He didn’t do that – manage it well, that is. We realize that going back another year will see some areas with less money than they had in 2009 appropriations and some with more but at least there would be money there to operate each month.”

He said this state is facing some real problems by July 1 with the 50 percent funding budget approved by the Senate on May 31.

“We faced a drop-dead moment on May 31, and now we are facing one on June 30,” Rutherford said. “Something has to be done prior to July 1 and this type of budget could be the answer.”

Rutherford was asked if all the budget stalemates are causing more Republican lawmakers to start thinking of approving a tax increase in the state.

“I, personally, have never said I will never vote for an income tax increase,” he answered. “I still am emphasizing that I will not say ‘never will I vote for one’ but there have to be multiple changes in this state before I do vote for one.”

He said the Senate will be called back into session next week and he will be attending with one thought in mind.

 “Let’s not use the elderly, children and disabled as pawns in political tangles,” said Rutherford. “Let’s get the work done for everyone.”

 

 

Rutherford Says Pass a Bridge Budget For Now - WYZZ June 25, 2009

WMBD/WYZZ - PEORIA -- Republican lawmakers are recommending a "bridge budget."

That would extend the deadline for last year's fiscal budget at a month-to-month basis until a new budget can be approved.

State Senator Dan Rutherford says the money would be based on 2008 appropriation levels. He says this would continue funding service providers across the state until a new budget is passed. 

“This is to get us though temporarily until this is totally resolved. This is to keep the lights on and the doors from being slammed shut,” said Rutherford.

House of representative members will be back at the state capitol Monday. Senators are back on Tuesday.
 

 

 

 

 

 

'I never support that': Quinn backtracks on drastic budget cuts - Pantagraph June 25, 2009

SPRINGFIELD -- After spending the past three weeks saying he would cut programs serving Illinois' neediest citizens on July 1, Gov. Pat Quinn appeared to blink Wednesday. | Thousands pack Statehouse to protest cuts | Hynes: Quinn has 'confused' the public

Although there appears to be no major solution to the state's massive budget deficit as the fiscal year comes to a close, Quinn told reporters that he never favored cutting funding to programs that serve the mentally ill, the elderly and a host of others reliant on state services.

"We're not going to visit all the cuts on the most fragile and vulnerable people in our society," Quinn said. "I never support that and never will. So we will not allow that to take place."

The latest mixed signal from Illinois' chief executive came after two days of mostly futile negotiations over the state budget impasse. The threats to cut social service providers generated lots of anger and frustration, as well as a large rally Tuesday, but haven't swayed enough lawmakers to support Quinn's call for an income tax hike.

 

 

 

Ill. lawmakers go home amid budget confusion - Junes 25, 2009 AP

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Illinois legislators adjourned Wednesday without taking action on the budget, as Gov. Pat Quinn backed away from threats to make painful cuts to social services - deepening confusion about when the state will have a spending plan and what it will look like.

Lawmakers went home until next week, even though the current budget expires at midnight Tuesday and no new budget plan is close to being finished.

Officials couldn't even agree on the size of the deficit they face. Is it $11.6 billion or $9.2 billion or maybe even $7 billion?

"We're going to be here for a long time," warned Sen. James DeLeo, D-Chicago.

 

 

Meeks: Let state government collapse - Southtown Star -  June 24, 2009

Democrats don't deserve to be re-elected in Illinois.

No politician should serve more than eight years in office.

It's time to let the entire state government collapse to force a voter rebellion.

Those aren't the thoughts of a Republican looking to gain political advantage or some political commentator seeking to generate controversy.

They're the comments of state Sen. James Meeks (D-Chicago) who said Tuesday the state's leaders "have failed the people."

"It's unfortunate and wrong for us to be playing on people's emotions like this," Meeks said of the state's threats to cut social service funding to the neediest people in Illinois by as much as 50 percent because of the Legislature's failure to pass a budget.

 

 

 

Budget resolution to be put off another week - SJ-R June 24, 2009

Illinois lawmakers appear determined to delay a resolution of the state’s budget problems until the last possible moment.

Called back to Springfield Tuesday by Gov. Pat Quinn, who wants lawmakers to approve an income tax hike, both the House and Senate met only briefly before adjourning without taking any action.

In fact, after a two-hour-plus meeting with legislative leaders Tuesday night, Quinn said legislators will leave Springfield today with plans to return next week.

“We will hopefully get the job done,” Quinn said.

 

 

 

 

 
CHICAGO (AP) -- It's time for Illinois lawmakers to go back to work.

Lawmakers are due in Springfield on Tuesday afternoon for a special session to try to fix the state budget.

But there was no sign Monday there was enough support among lawmakers to pass the income tax increase Gov. Pat Quinn wants to avoid deep budget cuts. Quinn has warned services for the poor, elderly and disabled could be eliminated or reduced.

Quinn contends the budget passed earlier this month by the Democrat-controlled Legislature could mean $9.2 billion in cuts if lawmakers don't come up with an alternative budget with more money from a tax increase.

The governor will try to pump up support for a tax increase with a rally at the Capitol before lawmakers convene.

 

 

 

 

Keep demanding reform - Tribune June 2, 2009

Citizens, congratulations. Your relentless pressure on Democrats in the Illinois legislature has kept them from greasing a big tax increase without doing the difficult work that needs to come first. This is a moment of great opportunity: Keep demanding reform in ethics and spending from those Democrats -- and from Republicans who need to stay resolute and united.

 

 

 

Tax Increases - House Bill 174

Senate Amendment 2

At the end of the Spring Legislative Session the Illinois Senate passed the largest Income Tax increase in the history of the state and created a first time tax on services. The YES votes came from all Democrats. The bill now awaits action by the House of Representatives. Details are:

No Republican votes were cast for the largest tax hike in Illinois history but click here to view the Senate Roll Call on HB 174.

 

The State Senate vote in favor of the Income Tax increase pales in comparison to what else was in the bill: a new tax on SERVICES! 

To see a complete list of the Services that would be taxed go to: 'New Tax on Services.'

This is a list of the 39 new Service Categories, which hundreds of services are contained and could be taxed:

(1) Other warehousing and storage (household and specialty goods)
(2) Travel agent services
(3) Carpet and upholstery cleaning services
(4) Dating services
(5) Dry cleaning and laundry, except coin-operated
(6) Consumer goods rental
(7) Health clubs, tanning parlors, reducing salons
(8) Linen supply
(9) Interior design services
(10) Other business services, including copy shops
(11) Bowling Centers
(12) Coin operated video games and pinball machines
(13) Membership fees in private clubs
(14) Admission to spectator sports (excluding horse tracks)
(15) Admission to cultural events
(16) Billiard Parlors
(17) Scenic and sightseeing transportation
(18) Taxi and Limousine services
(19) Unscheduled chartered passenger air transportation
(20) Motion picture theaters, except drive-in theaters
(21) Pet grooming
(22) Landscaping services (including lawn care)
(23) Income from intrastate transportation of persons
(24) Mini-storage
(25) Household goods storage
(26) Cold storage
(27) Marina Service (docking, storage, cleaning, repair)
(28) Marine towing service (including tugboats)
(29) Gift and package wrapping service
(30) Laundry and dry cleaning services, coin-operated
(31) Other services to buildings and dwellings
(32) Water softening and conditioning
(33) Internet Service Providers
(34) Short term auto rental
(35) Information Services
(36) Amusement park admission and rides
(37) Circuses and fairs -- admission and games
(38) Cable and other program distribution
(39) Rental of video tapes for home viewing

 

 

 

Press Statement from Senator Rutherford on Service Taxes

Rutherford warns Illinoisans about new service taxes

PONTIAC, IL - The State Senate recently voted in favor of the largest income tax increase in Illinois history, but that pales in comparison to what else was in the legislation, according to State Senator Dan Rutherford (R-Pontiac). The bill, HB 174 Senate Amendment 2, also created, for the first time in Illinois, a tax on services.

 

 

 

$350 Million in Dedicated Fund Raids - Senate Bill 1433

When one pays a fee, such as a camping fee at a state park, or a boating or snowmobile fee, one expects those fees to be used for the dedicated purpose they were levied. Like, maintaining camp grounds, boating safety or water way preservation. But no, not under this General Assembly, they sweep the funds.

Recently a vote was take to siphon $350 million from dedicated accounts under the pretense that there is too much money in them. It passed the House and Senate with all Democrat votes.

These dedicated funds were created to receive specific fees for specific purposes. It includes cleaning up leaky underground storage tanks, and monitoring long term care facilities.

Logic would say, "if there is too much in the accounts either (1) use more money for that purpose or (2) lower the fee being charged."

A few examples of the fee sweeps 'top donor' funds are:

  • $30,000,000 - Tourism Promotion fund

  • $13,820,000 - Insurance Producer Administration fund

  • $10,999,280 - Local Tourism fund

  • $9,988,400 - Nursing Dedicated & Professional fund

  • $8,648,600 - Illinois Clean Water fund

  • $4,400,000 - Drug Treatment fund

Click here to view the $350 million in fee sweeps.

 

 

 

Rutherford Twittering - Peoria Journal-Star May 31, 2009

State Senator Dan Rutherford, R-Pontiac, is continuing to take advantage of the latest social networking technology by Twittering from the Senate floor.

"As we have been debating the ethics package and the state budget, I have been able to Twitter from the Senate Floor to keep Illinoisans aware of the latest developments," he said.

Rutherford kept his constituents up to speed on Twitter and Facebook throughout the weekend as lawmakers discussed the state operations budget. As of Friday, he was updating Twitter several times an hour.

Even after the Senate adjourns, Rutherford said he will continue using Twitter and Facebook. (K.M.)

 

 

 

 

 

Illinois Spending

 

Suggestions for cutting or modifying the state budget

 

There are plenty of politicians in Springfield looking to raise taxes. The public is saying the logical first step should be to cut spending by eliminating programs or changing the existing ones. Senator Rutherford wants the public’s input and will help ensure the suggestions get to the right decision makers.

 

Many voters in Illinois believe the state should tighten its belt, just like one does with their family budget. Recommendations for changes, cutting and modifications submitted will be read by Senator Rutherford. A representative sample of the suggestions will be posted on this site periodically.

 

 

 

 

Your suggestions on how to trim the state budget are welcome!

 

Click here to submit your comments

Bernie from Champaign 

I would like to see all of the pork cut out of the budget before any tax increases are considered. I don't want to increase my taxes to support any of the pork projects, in particular the ones in Chicago.

Greg from Olney 

Illinois' problems will not be resolved until there is true reform. And I believe there is a simple solution! True reform will not occur until term limits are established for all politically elected positions.  When one can no longer "make a living" from politics, officials can then concentrate on serving the people.

 Lyle from Danville 

Consolidate the governmental agencies; why are we in Chicago and Springfield?  Springfield is our capitol. 

Use common sense in preparing the budgets.  We could do with less management. Improving the computer systems would go a long way.

 

Click here to view the other submitted comments

 

 

 

 

Kind of a Blog

Meets

Facebook

 

A new format for the Senator's information

This is not a full-fledged Blog. It does not have hourly interaction, but it is current and fresh with new information and photos of my activities. The Senator calls it: Kind of a Blog (KOB). The postings are actually from the Senator.  They are personal and governmental.

In order to share postings when the Senator is on the road, he has integrated his Dan Fan Page on Facebook with KOB. The Dan Fan Page on Facebook is updated daily, if not several times a day. It has current comments, articles and several photos.

He hopes you enjoy KOB integrated with Facebook.

What do you think of this format?  Send me an email.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

From Wikipedia:

Facebook is a free-access social networking website that is operated and privately owned by Facebook, Inc. Users can join networks organized by city, workplace, school, and region to connect and interact with other people. People can also add friends and send them messages, as well as update their personal profiles to notify friends about themselves.

 

 

From thet Senator:

One application of Facebook is for friends to become Facebook Friends to interact on their Facebook Profile. Both parties must be a member of Facebook and must accept each other as Facebook Friends in order to view each other's postings (the personal website is called a Profile). The Profile allows accepted Friends to post comments (similar to a Blog), see their photos, selected articles and updates. They may post information about what is happening in their day.

Another use of Facebook is called a Fan Page. This is a Facebook webpage which is open to viewing by anyone on the internet, regardless of being a member of Facebook. Anyone may view the photos and basic information of a Fan Page. In order to view a Fan Page in its entirety, post comments on the Page and receive notification updates, the individual must be a member of Facebook and sign up as a Fan of that Fan Page.

Senator Rutherford has a personal Profile. Friends must opt in and be accepted to have access to the site.  There he posts family and life happenings there.

In addition, the  Dan Fan Page which is open to the world wide web and where he regularly posts governmental happenings. One need not be signed up to Facebook to have access to this site.

 

 

 

 

Senator Rutherford also has a website for personal and non-governmental matters. Please visit  www.DanRutherford.org.

 

 

 

                                  

 

Senator Dan Rutherford’s website for Legislative and Public Policy matters is:
http://www.DanRutherford.com

 

Senator Dan Rutherford’s website for political matters is:
http://www.DanRutherford.org

Senator Rutherford is the Chairman of the Committee for Legislative Action. Its primary purpose is to bring sunlight to attempts to raise Taxes, Fees and increase Government Regulations in Illinois. Their website is:
http://www.CommitteeForLegislativeAction.org

 


District Office
320 N. Plum Street
Pontiac, IL 61764
(815) 842-3632
(815) 842-2875 Fax

Springfield Office
309C Capitol Building
Springfield, IL 62706
(217) 782-6597
(217) 782-7818 Fax

The development and hosting of Senator Rutherford's web site are not paid for with taxpayer dollars.

The phone line and internet service for Senator Rutherford's e-mails are also not paid for at taxpayer expense.