State Sen. Landek poses with (from left): Martin Senica and Robert HewittSPRINGFIELD - Lutheran Social Services employees Martin Senica, of Berwyn, and Robert Hewitt met with Senator Landek on Wednesday, April 15 in the Capitol as part of Lutheran Day 2015. They advocated for increasing the Earned Income Tax Credit and described the impacts that would have on many working families they serve.

State Sen. Landek poses with (from left): Emily Espin and Maryfer GalindoSPRINGFIELD - Maryfer Galindo, of Berwyn, and Emily Espin met with Senator Landek on Wednesday, April 15 for University of Illinois Student Day at the Capitol. Maryfer and Emily, both students at the University of Illinois at Chicago, discussed the variety of opportunities afforded to them through the university and the positive economic impact the campuses have on their surrounding areas.

Last week, the Springfield politicians completed fixes to this year’s state budget in such a "matter of fact” manner, the media hardly noticed. That budget fix provided for filling a revenue gap of $1.3 billion for this year’s budget, which was created when the temporary state income tax increase ended in January of this year.

The Chicago media would have hoped for this scenario: The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives and Senate sends the new Republican governor a budget fix that is loaded with new taxes and new programs. Gov. Bruce Rauner refuses to sign the budget and Illinois is deadlocked, closed down, on the brink of disaster and everyone is packing their bags to move into another state!!! Great media stories to be sure.

Instead, your elected leaders of both parties listened to the voters and took action to fix the immediate problem. The budget repair came in the form of budget cuts. That is right — budget cuts and transferring excess funds long protected by special interests. Sounds like reform, change or cooperation? It is. Most of all, both parties worked out the problem without fanfare, melodrama or hyperbole.

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BROOKFIELD – Governor Quinn recently announced an investment of $1 million to assist in the development of a new building at Brookfield Zoo designed for children and adults with disabilities, underserved communities and veterans and their families.

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