" Unfortunately, states will always run in the red because people don't want to do 1 of 2 things, raise taxes or cut programs. There really are no other options. As much as I really love Lincoln Log Cabin, where did the money come from to re-open it? "

" The Sage of Arthur speaks. What a great idea. Lowered wages and slave labor to stimulate the economy.
If the government could impose a tax on arrogant know-nothingism, it would be rolling in revenue. "

" Now they are looking to permit farmers to use the edges of the highway for hay, so they don't have to mow it. This levity makes much more sense than thinking a tractor and baler could operate safely around most of the roads, they can't even legally drive on. How many gatorbacks, hub caps, complete tires, and other debris can a hay baler handle. Which animal would do best using highway hay for feed.

They are so proud of that high tension wire they are using strung between posts, in the median. What do you think that is going to do to a minivan full of kids. Might as well call that system the can opener.

Lawmakers should have the summer off, but haven't for a lack of enthusiasm. Give them each some incentive to focus on the budget really hard. If they don't close some gaps, eliminate funding some sink holes, and find the 8 billion they possibly lost just since last summer, they can internship work study with the convicts on a chain gang, out in the glorious summer air of Illinois. "

" And how would having convicted criminals doing work for the community be slave labor?

Last time I checked inmates were getting 3 meals a day, clothing, medical care, a bed and a roof over their heads, many enjoy air conditioning and cable or satellite TV all on the taxpayer dime, so what is so wrong with them repaying society for this with some sweat.

While I am not so sure that $50,000 in the right amount for those in state jobs to get a pay cut, or even for all those in state jobs to get a pay cut, the base idea, IMHO is a good one. Many employees at private companies have been faced with the choice of keeping their jobs and taking a pay cut or being laid off/fired. With the state being in such dire straights why shouldn't at least those in elected office and those making, lets say more than $75 or $100,000 per year take a pay cut. "

" I'm so tired of comments like: Let all the state employees making more than $50,000 a year take a pay cut. Taxes are the governments way of making us all take a pay cut! And just because some people have worked to make a good living, why should they be penalized? Perhaps every factory worker making more than $50,000 should take a paycut? Maybe we should go after the farmers too. Lots of educators make more than that - I see it when they post school district information in the paper. And it's good to realize that if all these people take a pay cut - less money will be spent.........which will further hurt the economy, and we will be paying less money into the system that pays those who aren't working. Think through things please. "

" "Every state employee getting more than $50,000 pay each year to forfeit 10 percent of their pay for each of the next three years."

Why pick on STATE EMPLOYEES; why limit it to those making more than $50K who have been reasonably successful? Oh yes, I know; your taxes go to pay their salaries.

But when you go to the lumberyard, grocery store, WalMart, hospital ... your money goes to pay THEIR salaries too.
So it would be just as logical to demand EVERYONE take a 10% cut in salaries -- and that businesses cut prices to reduce their profits by 10%.

Somehow when people fall into a hole -- often because they bought a house, car, TV they couldn't afford and then run short of money -- they never blame their own extravagance or ignorance, but it's always the fault of the state and its employees...... "

" " And how would having convicted criminals doing work for the community be slave labor?

This sounds almost logical....but
In some places, particularly in the South, criminals are sentenced to HARD LABOR, but I don't think that's included in sentences in the "civilized" world.
It smacks of "chain gangs".
Some might volunteer just to get into the outside world, in which case they should be paid at least minimum wage and be well treated -- I keep thinking of Southern "chain gangs" where states sometimes "rent" their prisoners to contractors who treat the prisoners very badly.
But in the end I vote against it; instead provide education and training to make it easier to rejoin society when their term is ended. "

" Last time I checked inmates were getting 3 meals a day, clothing, medical care, a bed and a roof over their heads, many enjoy air conditioning and cable or satellite TV all on the taxpayer dime.
---
Sounds delightful. Why don't check in for a nice rest? "

" **Perhaps every factory worker making more than $50,000 should take a paycut?**

I think you are missing the point, Beaches. State employees are paid by the TAXpayers. Factory workers are paid by private industry.

The issue we're trying to discuss here is state revenue (taxes) and state spending. Get it? "

" gringa:"I think you are missing the point, Beaches. State employees are paid by the TAXpayers. Factory workers are paid by private industry.

The issue we're trying to discuss here is state revenue (taxes) and state spending. Get it? "

Gringa, it's YOU that does not get it.
YOU DO pay the state employees. But don't be stupid: "Factory workers are paid by private industry" -- and WHERE do you think private industry gets THEIR money?? I'll give you a clue little Gringa; the Tooth Fairy doesn't cut it. "

" Unbelievable, Cognitus. Let me address this issue with you before you clock out from your city job for the day.

If taxpayer income drops, taxes should drop, then government spending should drop. Only problem is, it's not working out that way. Government spending seems to have no limits - regardless of the plight of the ones who are paying the bills. "

" Our lawmakers sacrifice NOTHING!!! They are now trying to get EVERY new mother to have to go through some shrink and say she's not crazy before she can take her newborn home. And if the (so-called) Doctor thinks she's depressed and she refuses to take their chill pills she can't have her baby....

Here's another new law they are trying to pass.
http://www.dailypaul.com/node/90510

HR 45 Blair Holt Firearms Act Of 2009

Basically this would make it illegal to own a firearm - any rifle with a clip or ANY pistol unless: * It is registered

* You are fingerprinted

* You supply a current Driver's License

* You supply your Social Security #

* You will submit to a physical & mental evaluation at any time of their choosing

* Each update - change or ownership through private or public sale must be reported and costs $25 - Failure to do so you automatically lose the right to own a firearm and are subject up to a year in jail.

The first bill on new mothers has ALREADY PASSED THE HOUSE!!! Can you believe it? Every single new mother will soon have to be evaluated by some quack who wants to push meds in which many of those said meds cause many people on them to go nuts or commit suicide. This country has LOST IT!!! "

" And let's not forget the new slavery bill backed by Obama. FORCED VOLUNTEERISM???? Give me a break!! It's called SLAVERY and until an amendment is ratified by the states, this bill is ILLEGAL!!!

Obama's scarier than Bush EVER WAS! This is getting insane! "

" Becky wrote on Apr 21, 2009 3:46 PM:

"Obama's scarier than Bush EVER WAS! This is getting insane!"

.......

AMEN SISTER! "

" ........ this bill is ILLEGAL!!!

And where did you go to law school Becky?

Being a disgruntled blogger really doesn't qualify you to determine the constitutionality of a bill, does it?

Express your dissatisfaction all you want, but please spare use your legal opinions, because I seriously doubt you have the qualifications.

Most of us like to here the opinions of others, but that comment was over the line my friend. "

" HP, this "law" talk was taught in grade school.

Article 5 of the Constitution provides for the amendment of the Constitution by various means. However an amendment is proposed, it does not become part of the Constitution unless it is ratified by three-quarters of the states (either the legislatures thereof, or in amendment conventions).

Second Amendment Militia (United States), Sovereign state, Law of Arms.
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed. [6]

Thirteenth Amendment-Section 1. Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime where of the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist within the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction.

You don't need a law degree to read and understand our Constitution and how it works. Maybe it's people who think that you do so they let the narcissists in DC make all the laws they want because they call themselves the correct party name think so, but you really, really don't need a law degree. Just patriotism for what our forefathers, past veterans and current soldiers fought for or are still fighting for. "

" You don't need a law degree to read and understand our Constitution and how it works. Maybe it's people who think that you do so they let the narcissists in DC make all the laws they want because they call themselves the correct party name think so, but you really, really don't need a law degree. Just patriotism for what our forefathers, past veterans and current soldiers fought for or are still fighting for. "



Sorry Becky, but I think your ideas are rather naive. Do you really think it's that simple?

Nothing personal Becky, but I have to laugh everytime I see one of you cornfield scholars interpreting the constitution. It's really not that simple. "

" Beckyk grumbles about a "new law"....
I ran into one today at the post office. I have a friend who lives in Russia, and to mail a letter I had to fill out a card with the address on the letter, give my address and sign in; the POffice kept 1/2 the card and the other 1/2 was attached to the letter.
I asked if this applied even to Canada and the answer was YES.
The Jane Harmon case shows that the NSA was lying when they said they were only listening to terrorists; now they're trying to track our mail. I guess I better put on my terrorist uniform and get to work. "