From the Decatur Herald & Review (Editorial):
Thursday, April 24, 2008 12:18 AM CDT
Agencies are slimed with support requests
By the H&R Editorial Staff
Gov. Rod Blagojevich's office is contacting social service providers and advocates asking support for his agenda.
The effort isn't anything new, and even though taxpayer dollars are being used for the program, there is nothing illegal about the process.
But it is, well, slimy.
The documents being sent to agencies, obtained by The Associated Press for a story, encourage agencies to fill out "endorsement forms." The agencies also are provided with a sample letter of support that they are asked to put on their own letterhead and send back to the state.
In addition, the plea from the government asks recipients if they would be willing to speak to the media or at a news conference as a supporter, would volunteer to send letters to legislators and newspapers or would be willing to work at events. The request also encourages the agencies and providers to obtain "testimonials from people who are struggling to make ends meet and would like to share their story with the governor's office."
The governor's proposals include a $300-per-child family tax credit and one-time 20 percent business-tax cut, expanded care access financed by a $417 million employer payroll tax and a
$25 billion construction plan.
As has been stated in this space before, the governor's plan is too expensive and ultimately will increase taxes, especially on businesses. Additional taxes will make it harder to attract new businesses to the state. Illinois does need a construction program, but it also needs revenues to pay for it.
What makes the request from the state "slimy" is the way Illinois government operates.
Jay Stewart, executive director of the Better Government Association, said the governor's communication only allows for a positive response, with no opportunity for dissent.
"When you're beholden to the state, when the individuals being solicited have an interest in government business or a state contract, are they free to disagree or ignore it?" he asked. "Given the history of the state of Illinois, you can't pretend that isn't a concern."
Stewart, of course, is right. Former Gov. George Ryan is in federal prison for receiving payments in return for state contracts and appointments. The federal trial of former Blagojevich fundraiser Antoin "Tony" Rezko is looking into similar activities. The governor, however, has not been accused of doing anything wrong.
But it's pretty well documented that the governor's office isn't above retaliation. Lawmakers who did not support the governor's plan in the last session saw their projects cut out of the budget. And there are other examples, as well.
The governor would be better off working with the General Assembly to have his proposals considered. Unfortunately, legislators have little trust in the governor, and Blagojevich is mired in a personal disagreement with House Speaker Michael Madigan.
Pressuring social service agencies and providers to support the governor's program is unseemly. Or to put it more bluntly: slimy.