Dear Friends,

Again this year, Illinois is operating under a state budget that subjects Illinois taxpayers to more deficit spending and borrowing.

Citizens will pay a heavy price for a budget based on pension raids, record-high state debt and a record-high backlog of unpaid bills. The $59 billion budget for Fiscal Year (FY) 2007, was passed over Senate GOP objections.

The Senate Republican Caucus prefers a return to fiscal discipline and spending restraint rather than the Governor's financial schemes that delay repayment and saddle future generations with staggering debt. In the months since the budget was approved - and as we look ahead to the next state budget - independent groups are joining us in calling for spending reform.

Earlier this year The Institute for Truth in Accounting, a non-profit, non-partisan, organization said Illinois' budget situation is far worse than the Blagojevich administration admits.

Recently, the prestigious Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago declared that Illinois is "headed toward a financial implosion." The organization estimated that the unfunded obligations and associated debt facing the state is now $106 billion, or about $8,800 per person for every man, woman and child in Illinois.

We used to talk about "tax and spend" politicians. Now, we have an administration that spends and spends, and pushes the cost onto future taxpayers. This cannot continue. I believe one of the best ways I can serve you is to continue to speak out for integrity and fiscal responsibility in Illinois government.

Sincerely,
Matt Murphy