Leaders, legislators and candidates come together at reception

Mar 10, 2010 — Journal Star

Karen McDonald

Mar. 9, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- PEORIA -- With an economy struggling to rebound, U.S. Rep. Aaron Schock said Monday he is supporting policies that promote growth, including research and development tax credits.

"As I travel around the 20 counties I represent, whether I'm in Peoria or down in Beardstown or one of the small communities in between, the economic issues are really what are on the hearts and minds of people," said Schock, R-Peoria. "When I talk to small business owners and entrepreneurs and ask what it will take to help them out, many of them want certainty."

Last year, Schock noted six of every 10 jobs were created by small business owners. "It's the small business owner that ultimately will lead us to recovery."

About 200 business leaders and owners, laborers and labor leaders, elected officials and candidates for office in Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties attended the 24th annual Heart of Illinois Legislative Reception at the Hotel Pere Marquette. Hosted by the area chambers of commerce, the event that included light appetizers is designed to help bridge the communication gap between local business leaders and state officials.

State Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria, said Wednesday's budget address is weighing heavily on the minds of elected officials and those in government-funded agencies.

"People are wondering if the state budget is as bad as the indications are and I said 'yes.' This is going to be the ugliest year we've ever had in terms of the state budget. The pain is going to be severe. There's just no way of sugarcoating this thing," Koehler said.

The state is facing a $13 billion to $14 billion deficit. Gov. Pat Quinn will outline the state budget Wednesday, detailing estimated revenues for the upcoming year and how he plans to deal with the major problems facing the state.

"If we don't raise revenues in addition to making cuts, we're not going to see our way out of this," Koehler said. "We're seeing our way on the upside of the recession now. What lags behind that is jobs . . . what lags behind that is revenues to public sector units . . . we're still a year away in terms of replenishing what we lost in terms of all levels of government."

Federally, Schock reiterated the need for a highway reauthorization bill, estimated at $450 billion. "It will put people to work, give some stability to construction and help every congressional district in our country."

The topic at last year's reception was the need for a state capital bill, which ultimately was approved after 10 years without one. This year, Dan Silverthorn, executive director of the West Central Illinois Labor Council, stressed continued funding for the capital bill, which in turn creates jobs.

"I truly believe in economic development. That's the only thing that creates the jobs that are needed for the people I represent. This is critical to us," Silverthorn said.

East Peoria Administrator Tom Brimberry said he attended the event without an agenda or pressing issue. "We're expecting a stable, no-growth revenue budget," Brimberry said.

Other elected officials present Monday were: state Sens. Dale Risinger, R-Peoria, and Dan Rutherford, R-Chenoa, and state Reps. David Leitch, R-Peoria, Jehan Gordon, D-Peoria, Don Moffitt, R-Gilson, and Keith Sommer, R-Morton.

Also on Monday, the Peoria County Republican Central Committee hosted several hundred people at its annual Lincoln Day dinner at the Pere Marquette. Schock was the keynote speaker for that event, which also featured several GOP statewide office contenders including Bill Brady for governor, Jason Plummer for lieutenant governor and Rutherford for treasurer.

Karen McDonald can be reached at 686-3285 or kmcdonald@pjstar.com.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0157-42766486