By Ron Ulmer
1. Soccer Fields. Why do we need new Soccer Fields? The Federal Government doesn’t want large numbers of people near airport property for security reasons and the safety of the soccer participants. However, when the TSA runs a security test most of the weapons pass through the security check points as well as the airport encourages “development” on its property and nearby. Observe the hotels, restaurants and other businesses that have sprouted around CIRA.Sound contradictory?
2. High Speed Rails. The government is spending millions to upgrade the rails from Chicago to St. Louis to accommodate high speed rail, however the current passenger train sets are more than 30 years old, about the end of their useful life with no money budgeted for new trains and that the RR has dramatically increased the number of double stack unit trains on the high speed rails paid for by the Federal Government while Amtrak trains wait on sidings for the unit trains to pass. Make sense?
3. Bus Service. Connect Transit has “left money on the table” to increase service because it does not have “matching money” to acquire larger state grants. If some of the sales tax increase is allocated to Connect Transit, then Connect Transit can procure larger subsidies from the State. Please hold this thought.
4. Mental Health.The lion’s share of the additional 1% sales tax is earmarked to build and operate a mental health unit in the McLean County jail for those that need psychiatric care, because the state has no money to meet its obligation for psychiatric care. What is the logic of going for more state funds for expanded bus service, when it would reduce state funds to other critical services that directly affect the safety and welfare of the general public?
5. Education. School Boards, Superintendents, and Teachers frequently lobby for more funds and now are requesting a share of the sales tax increase to improve education for the “kids”. However,these groups collaborate to get their pensions boosted up by finding legal loopholes in the pension law or by contributing educational funds to the pension plan to boost pensions.Please explain how this money is “for the kids.”
Ron Ulmer is an economist, have taught economics/finance at 3 central Illinois universities and employed by Illinois Power as a Senior Rate Analyst, supervisor of economic research, Market Program Manager. Now retired, Current member Normal Kiwanis, past 25 year member Optimist International Service Club, Property owner and manager in Normal for 37 years ongoing.
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