Rafael Rivadeneira for DuPage County Board District 2

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Rafael News

Slashing Spending and Shrinking the Budget Day 2

posted: October 27, 2009 • Categories: Slashing Spending • Comments: 0

When it comes to spending money, Illinois has spared no expense for some of its projects. Our government has been a leader in throwing money into our school systems with no results. This isn’t limited to preK-12 education either, but our state college system. There is an overwhelming need for a majority of the money Illinois spends on its education system; however, due to the financial crisis we already face these are certainly not necessary.

Tuesday’s Cuts:

#4 Remodeling Illinois State University = $15,200,000

• Five building were renovated with this massive lump sum, all on the taxpayers’ dime. As a large college, I question why donors weren’t asked to sponsor the remodel and whether or not this could have been delayed until our state had a budget surplus.

#5 Education at the Alder Planetarium and Museum of Science and Industry = $400,000

• The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) suggested this program get cut from its budget. However, they still wanted the $400,000 to use on other things. If you don’t need the program, you don’t need the money.

#6 Class Size Reduction Pilot Project = $8,000,000

• This wasteful pilot project from Rep. Michael Smith (D-Canton) and Sen. Terry Link (D-Lake Bluff) has cost our state $26 million over the course of three years, $8 million dollars in the latest budget alone. The worst part of this program is that the ISBE recommended the program be cut in Fiscal Year 2010, meaning we just threw away $26,000,000.

The Tuesday total comes out to $23,600,000. Combine that with our Monday program cuts and we’ve already identified $28,837,897 in wasteful spending. Stay tuned tomorrow as I bring to light 3 more programs that have to be cut to show fiscal responsibility with your tax dollars.