News Release
July 5, 2009
Contact:
Matt Zimmerman, Chair
Illinois College Republican Federation
217.493.5530
matt.zimmerman.icrf@gmail.com
The past week and a half has been an eventful one as concerns the direction of our nation. The Illinois College Republican Federation would like to take the time to address the future.
"Cap and Trade" legislation was narrowly passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on June 26. Under this bill, industries that produce the most carbon emissions will be heavily taxed for their emissions. Industries such as agriculture and heavy industry will be forced to either lay off numerous employees to pay the increased taxes or go out of business. In good economic times, this legislation would be disastrous. In today's economy, this legislation is borderline insanity. Some estimate that this legislation would increase the average family's energy bill by thousands of dollars a year and will drive up the price of all consumer goods.
While this bill is being sold by the Obama Administration that it will decrease our dependence on foreign energy sources, many argue otherwise. Domestic producers of oil and natural gas will more than likely be forced to close down increasing our dependence on foreign supplies of energy.
One would think that legislators should take time to think this legislation through. Instead, at the last minute, a 300 page amendment, was added to the bill at three in the morning the day before it was voted on. After its passage through the House, reports have surfaced that the bill was not at the Well of the House when it was debated and voted on. The legislators could not have read the bill or the amendment if they wanted to.
With Norm Coleman's concession, Harry Reid will have another crucial vote in passing radical legislation such as this through the U.S. Senate. Forget the questionable ballots discovered in the trunks of cars for weeks after the election -- The Democrats now have complete control of the Executive Branch and both chambers of Congress. One only needs to look at the current state of Illinois government to see what one party rule can do.
The Democratic Party controls every statewide office in Illinois along with near-supermajorities in both chambers of the General Assembly. In under eight years, they have proved that they are incapable of running the state. They refuse to look at ways of reforming our pension systems, education, and social service programs, and instead blame Republicans for refusing to vote for a tax increase.
If the recent history of Illinois is a guide, the future of our country is unappealing at best.
--- The Illinois College Republicans are working with candidates at all levels of government across the State of Illinois. We will fill a crucial piece of the puzzle in taking back Illinois and our Country.
