Illinois Review

Jackson says GOP criticism of Obama could lead to violence

On with MSNBC's Martin Bashir, the Reverend Jesse Jackson suggested harsh criticism - Bashir calls it "abusive rhetoric" - could provoke violence against President Obama ...

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Thorner: Is Catholic Bishops' Obamacare revolt real?

By Nancy Thorner -

The lead story appearing on Michelle Malkin's website of Tuesday, January 31, First, they came for the Catholics, examined the Obama administration's continuing war on religious health care professionals.  
As noted by Michelle Malkin, "What's noteworthy now is the united front that Catholic bishops (who have traditionally taken big government positions) are now taking against the Obamacare abortion edict. 

It's about time that bishops in the Catholic Church have risen up to confront Obamacare and its unprecedented encroachment on religious liberty. This past weekend parishioners were informed of the recent White House edit that forces religious hospitals, schools, charities and other health and social services providers to provide free abortifacient pills, sterilizations, and contraception on demand in their insurance plans, even if doing so violates their moral consciences and teachings of their churches. Although not of the Catholic faith, I feel qualified to contribute my thoughts on an issue that has become quite controversial as a thoughtful pro-life conservative.

My response to Michelle Malkin's article follows:  

More responses to Quinn's State of the State

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Quinn's State of the State address Wednesday sparked lively responses still coming in - from State Senator Christine Radogno, State Rep. Mike Connelly, GOP Senate candidates Jim Oberweis and John Bambenek as well as GOP House candidates Chris Hage, Bob Kalnicky and Danielle Rowe ...

Minority Senate Leader Christine Radogno issued the following comments in response to Governor Quinn's address -

Springfield, Ill. – Following the annual State of the State address on Feb. 1, Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) and House Republican Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) addressed the Capitol media corps from Cross’ Statehouse office.

'Bonhoeffer' Author Headlines National Prayer Breakfast

WASHINGTON DC - Eric Metaxas, author of the New York Times bestselling 'Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy' (Thomas Nelson, 2010), offered a rousing keynote speech at today's National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., urging the assembled audience of over 3,500 leaders from the United States and around the world -- including President Barack Obama and first lady, Michelle -- to follow the example of the martyred German pastor in boldly living their faith and loving both their enemies and the 'least of these' -- including political opponents, minorities and the unborn. He finished by leading the assembled in a rendition of 'Amazing Grace'.

Trump endorses Romney

LAS VEGAS - Today at the Trump Towers Hotel in Las Vegas, real estate mogul Donald Trump announced his support for GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney. The Nevada primary is scheduled for Saturday.

"Everyone knows our country is in serious trouble. We have a chance to make a difference," Trump said. "It's my privilege to endorse Mitt Romney. Mitt is tough, he's smart," Trump said. "Governor Romney, go out and get 'em."

Rhoads: When Fifth Place is a Badge of Honor

By Mark Rhoads -

According to a story on CNN Money, Mitt Romney raised more than $12 million worth of campaign donaions in 2011 from Wall Street investment and banking executives, more than any other candidate.  President Obama was in second place with just over $5 million, Newt Gignrich was a distant third with $460,000, Ron Paul was fourth with $317,000, and Rick Santorum was fifth and last with $232,000. What are some lessons we can infer from this pattern of Wall Street political donations?

Does it matter whether a candidate pays his taxes on time?

KANE COUNTY - Does it matter whether a candidate for office has been late paying his or her own property taxes? For some it isn't, and for some it is.  In Kane County,  delinquent taxes has become an issue.  Last week, Senate candidate Cliff Surges put out a press release explaining why his tax bill payment has been late for the past nine years. 

Today, the Kane County Chronicle writes about other candidates that had similar problems paying their taxes on time - including county auditor candidate Terry Hunt, circuit clerk candidate Thomas Hartwell and others. When asked, they each gave the Chronicle plausible explanations - but the question remains, does it matter whether a candidate pays his taxes ontime? 

IRS rules township officers' "fringe benefits" taxable

McHenry Co, IL - The Internal Revenue Service is clamping down on taxing so-called "fringe benefits," northwest suburban Grafton Township officials discovered this week.  Reimbursements for networking dinners and vehicle allowances must be included in taxable income,  McHenry County Blogger Cal Skinner reports the IRS' decision:

“In 2010, the elected officials and trustees of the Township received a stipend varying from $26 to $40 per month to attend monthly dinners for the McHenry County Council of Governments. The Township does not require these members to attend these meetings. The total amount of stipends issued to all officials and trustees was $1,300 for the year. These stipends were provided under a non-accountable plan."

Obamacare's latest victim is religious freedom

By Mike Brownfield -

It has not even been two years since Obamacare was enacted, and already the President’s health care law has taken another victim — the religious freedoms Americans hold dear, as reflected by the First Amendment.

The Obama Administration recently reaffirmed a rule under Obamacare that requires many religious employers to provide health care coverage for all FDA-approved contraceptive methods, sterilization procedures, and related education and counseling. On the grounds that certain FDA-approved contraceptive methods can sometimes “cause the demise of embryos both after and before uterine implantation,“ many groups also believe that the rule forces them to cover abortion.

Illinois Review recognized as a Stateside Associates' "Best State Politics" blog

WASHINGTON, DC - This week, the Arlington Virginia-based Stateside Associates designated Illinois Review as one of the nation's "Best State Politics Blogs." Stateside Associates is a 45 person national firm of state and local government specialists, 18 which are former state legislative staff members along with seven attorneys.

In its seventh year of providing news and commentary to Illinois' conservative community, Illinois Review is delighted to add Stateside Associates' designation to our growing list of prized media recognitions. We congratulate other Illinois news blogs also recognized with us - Service Employees International Union's newsblog, Progress Illinois and the Springfield political news site, CapitolFax.

In addition, congratulations to Cal Skinner of McHenry County Blog for being recognized as one of Stateside Associates' Best Local Politics Blogs.

ICRC and Pro-Life group endorse Jarratt for Illinois Senate

ROUND LAKE - Two grassroots organizations have announced their endorsement of Lennie Jarratt for Illinois Republican State Senator, District 31.

O'Brien: AG Holder’s (R)Ace in the Hole Keeps Him in Charge

By Teri O'Brien -

On the eve of Attorney General Eric Holder’s latest return to Capitol Hill, his sixth, to attempt to explain his many changing stories about when he learned about the disgraceful Fast and Furious operation that resulted in the death of Border Agent Brian Terry, we learn that he needs more time to turn over documents requested by Darryl Issa’s committee. From the Washington Post:

Catholic leaders object to health care mandates

From Illinois Family Institute -

Over one hundred Catholic bishops and institutions across the nation, including Illinois, has issued statements denouncing the Obama administration’s national requirement to include contraception in employees’ health benefits. Bishop Thomas G. Doran of the Rockford Diocese issued a strongly worded statement urging parishes to stand up against what he calls an assault on religious liberty.

Schock & Schilling Introduce Small Business Tax Relief Bill

WASHINGTON DC – Congressmen Aaron Schock (R-IL) and Bobby Schilling (R-IL) today introduced the 1099K Overreach Prevention Act, which will prohibit the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) from implementing a new tax reporting requirement that would have far reaching implications for small business owners nationwide.

AG Holder before Fast and Furious Oversight Committee via Livestream

WASHINGTON DC - Attorney General Eric Holder is before a Congressional hearing on the ATF's "Fast and Furious" gun walking program that reportedly led to the death of a border agent.   The live streaming link provides online access to todays hearing via "Fast and Furious Oversight" website HERE.

Roskam applauds repeal of Obamacare CLASS Act

WASHINGTON – Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06) issued the following statement after the House repealed the CLASS Act, an unworkable component of Obamacare that the Administration dropped earlier this year because of its unfeasibility.

“The CLASS Act was just the kind of fantasy budgetary gimmick only dreamed up in Washington. This cornerstone program of the Democrats healthcare overhaul – supposedly a way to pay for Obamacare’s outrageous cost – is just one more broken promise that’s saddled the American taxpayer with more debt. From day one Republicans and the public said that the CLASS Act was an unworkable, unwise new entitlement – and Americans were proven right. Today’s repeal brings us one step closer to a full repeal of the Democrats’ healthcare overhaul.”

Dold Holds Heroin Roundtable

WAUKEGAN, IL – U.S. Congressman Robert J. Dold (IL-10) held a heroin roundtable on Monday with Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran and several others throughout the Lake County community. The goals established at the roundtable were to raise awareness of the dangers of heroin directly to people who are in a place to stop its spread, develop an education plan for Lake County, and support the recovery of addicts.

Schilling votes to freeze own pay

WASHINGTON DC – Congressman Bobby Schilling (IL-17) and his colleagues in the House of Representatives today voted to freeze the salaries of lawmakers for another year. 

“Folks across the country have been struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table. I promised my constituents that I would bring my own health care to Washington, that I would reject the congressional pension, and that I would reject any increase in pay and we are keeping that promise today. I am glad to see so many of my colleagues do the right thing today and extend the pay freeze on our salaries."

Kinzinger Applauds House repeal of key Obamacare element

From Congressman Adam Kinzinger's office -

Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) issued the following statement after H.R. 1173, the Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act, passed the House with bipartisan support. Kinzinger originally worked on this legislation on the Energy and Commerce Committee to repeal part of President Obama's government takeover of health care, known as the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Program.

NRCC picks Joe Walsh for Patriot Program

WASHINGTON DC - National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Pete Sessions (R-TX) and Deputy Chairman Greg Walden (R-OR), the co-chairs of the Patriot Program, Wednesday announced that Congressman Joe Walsh (IL-08) is included in the third round of Patriot Program Members for the 2012 election cycle. The program is a rigorous, goal-oriented initiative that enables Members to stay on offense as they build winning re-election campaigns.

Trump donated $50,000 to Rahm Emanuel

LAS VEGAS - With real estate mogul Donald Trump in the news today, preparing to make an announcement around noon Mountaintime, we recalled how generous the Trump has been to Chicago Democrats and two Illinois governors that were convicted of felonies.

Check out Illinois Review's April 25, 2011 story, "Trump donated $50,000 to Rahm Emanuel's mayoral bid"

Manzullo Votes to Continue Pay Freeze

From Congressman Don Manzullo's office -

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Don Manzullo (R-IL) tonight voted to continue the existing pay freeze for Members of Congress and all federal employees for at least an additional year. The House passed the bill, HR 3835, by a vote of 309-117.

Lake County Life PAC Endorses Hultgren

GRAYSLAKE, IL - Lake County Life PAC announces its endorsement of US Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) in the Republican Primary for the 14th Congressional District.

Crossroads GPS: "Every Level"

More responses to Quinn's SOTS address

Responses to Quinn's State of the State Address continue to come in from Illinois lawmakers and candidates, including senators Ron Sandack, Carole Pankau and candidates Garrett Peck and Lennie Jarratt:

Video: Military Wives Choir

These ladies married to British troops are vying for an award to raise money for their charity. Check it out at ... www.militarywiveschoir.com

Andrzejewski endorses Surges

Adam Andrzejewski, chairman of For the Good of Illinois PAC, announced his endorsement of Cliff Surges for State Senate today. “I am endorsing Cliff as he champions the very principles of transparency and accountability that For The Good of Illinois PAC stands for.” Adam stated.

“I am honored to receive Adam’s and the For The Good of Illinois PAC endorsement. They both have a reputation of integrity and working toward a proud Illinois.” Surges said. “Empowering the citizens to demand opportunities where they can flourish is a worthwhile ambition.”

Rebuttal to Quinn's 2012 State of the State Address

From John Tillman, Illinois Policy Institute -

Below, you will see a link to my brief response to Gov. Quinn’s 2012 State-of-the-State speech presented at noon today in Springfield.

The overarching theme with the Governor’s speech is that Illinois is moving forward and is “back on course.” How does that square with the people of Illinois? Actually, 74% say the state is on the wrong track.

Quinn's State of the State prompts online fundraising effort

The occasion of Governor Pat Quinn's State of the State address prompted a "Team Quinn" fundraising letter to Quinn supporters this afternoon ...

Dear Supporter,

As Governor Quinn delivered the State of the State address today, one sentence stuck out: "Illinois is moving forward."  

Can you help Governor Quinn fight for progress by donating $25, $50, $100 or $250 right now?  

Responses to Quinn's State of the State address

Responses are coming in to Governor Quinn's State of the State address - from the IL GOP to Comptroller Topinka, State Treasurer Dan Rutherford, IL GOP Chairman Pat Brady, the CYRs, Senator Dave Luechtefeld, State Rep John Barickman, Sen. Shane Cultra, Dave Richmond, John Lawson, Joe Neal and others.

Cranky: If God was a Marxist

From the Cranky Housewife -

Rev. C.J. Hawking and 34 other religious leaders from the greater Chicagoland area have traveled to Springfield in petition of our Illinois legislators, asking our representatives to raise the state minimum wage to $10.65 an hour. Her stated reason for doing this is that God commands her to share a vision of economic equality with the law makers in Illinois. (It's 502 miles to Springfield, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark... and we're wearing sunglasses? This is the justification used to push legislation that will exacerbate economic decay in the State of Illinois? Because God told her to? It's God's will that the Illinois unemployment rate should further deteriorate and we should lose even more businesses to Indiana and Wisconsin? Wow. That's some vision.)

Op-Ed: Quinn's State of the State is state of denial

By Fran Eaton -

Well, to listen to Governor Pat Quinn's State of the State address today, Illinois better off than any of us thought. Sure, things are bad financially, but, golly, not that bad. 

A projected $35 Billion deficit due to unpaid pensions and other obligations are just mean facts trying to cloud our state's otherwise sunny blue skies. La de da ... Just how can we spend more money to make Illinois the wonderland it is, the Governor asked? Why, besides building more schools and labs, bridges and roads, high speed rail systems - let's update our water and sewer systems. That will create more union jobs and then everyone can have blue skies, clear water and blissful lives right here in the middle of the Midwest. 

Why, we're fine - and shame on all you naysayers for saying such ridiculous bad things about our state's economy.  Shame on you all!

Quinn gives State of the State address

SPRINGFIELD - Starting at Noon Wednesday ... View HERE.

Live blogging notes of the Governor's Speech - Starting at 12:05 pm and ending at 12:38 pm Wednesday.

Quinn wishes Senator Mark Kirk a speedy recovery.  Also thanks military for volunteering to protect our democracy. Proud of Illinois National Guard. Last December, a unit crosses into Kuwait from Iraq, and the unit's Captain Barton led the way.  His wife and daughter were at the Capitol to hear the Governor's speech.

Proud to be governor.  Almost three years ago, he was sworn in - both predecessors had disgraced themselves and our state.  Our nation was in turmoil because of Wall Street financial dealings.  Illinois families were losing jobs, homes and savings.  I promised to restore dignity. We made Illinois a new ethical state.  By abolishing death penalty, enacting civil unions and other social changes, we made Illinois a better state.  We've invested in Illinois. 

The results are in - major exports growths and solid education gains, Illinois is moving forward.

Andrzejewski challenges Dale Righter's endorsement of Roger Eddy

Not only is there a fisticuffs going on between GOP presidential candidates, there's a brawl breaking out between Illinois Republicans and conservatives. For the Good of Illinois political action committee is taking on Senate Republican leader Dale Righter (R-Mattoon) with an email blasting his recent endorsement of State Rep. Roger Eddy (R-Hutsonville). Adam Andrzejewski writes:

I’m a conservative. I campaign for conservatives. I know conservatives. Roger Eddy is no conservative!

That’s why Sen. Dale Righter, Deputy Republican Minority Leader, is simply wrong to ask you to join in “supporting a TRUE CONSERVATIVE… Roger Eddy.”

Who's he trying to kid?

Here we have the second highest ranking senate Republican endorsing a guy that the Wall Street Journal called the “face of Republican failure.” No wonder Righter's title says... Minority Leader.

Schock to intro 1099-K Bill

From POLITICO’s Morning Money - 

Per a Hill staffer: "Rep. Aaron Schock will be introducing legislation today in the House and next week in the Senate to prevent the new reporting requirement known as the 1099-K from being implemented. Beginning next year, the IRS will collect 1099-K forms from third party payment entities (i.e. credit card companies) which are designed to show all credit transactions within a merchants business for a given year. However, the unintended consequence of this requirement has fallen directly on the laps of small business owners who will be forced by the IRS to reconcile this report with their own internal numbers. Schock's legislation would repeal this new IRS requirement."

Kinzinger outraises Manzullo

From Kinzinger for Congress campaign -

NEW LENOX, IL – Freshman Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) announced Wednesday that the campaign raised nearly $286,000 in the final three months of 2011 – 68 percent more than his opponent Congressman Don Manzullo, a twenty year incumbent.  Overall, the Kinzinger campaign saw a 38 percent increase in fundraising while Congressman Manzullo saw a decrease of 47 percent during the same time period.

The Kinzinger campaign reports more than $651,000 on hand to invest in communicating its message and reaching out to voters in every corner of Illinois' 16th Congressional District.

Roskam: Illinois headed in wrong direction

By Congressman Peter Roskam -

As Gov. Quinn gives his State of the State Address later today, it’s important to consider this past year’s record. The last year has served as a crystal clear example that tax increases did not help Illinois’ economy nor did it help our worsening fiscal crisis.

FLASHBACK: January 2011: Gov. Quinn Signs Record Tax Hike Into Law. Raises individual income taxes by 67 percent and corporate income taxes by 30 percent.

Since the Quinn tax hike, the state’s unemployment – previously dropping precipitously down to 9% – jumped right back up to 9.8%.

Education choice pressure builds on public schools, unions

By Fran Eaton -

When the average parent thinks about getting their kids off to school everyday, they're thinking about shoes, coats, hair and cleanliness.  We ask, "Got your homework?  Got your lunch?"

When the kiddos are met by their teachers' hopefully smiling faces when they arrive each morning, all seems well and good.  But what exactly are our kids being taught when they leave our care? 

Education policy author Kyle Olson writes in his book "Indoctrination" that kids are being taught insidious lessons tucked into innocent-sounding curriculum guides.  They're not only learning about union-building, socialism and social unrest, they're being taught to embrace them - to the detriment of traditional American amd religious values. 

Olson's book, along with his colleague Fox News' commentator Juan Williams' new video, stirred a firestorm in the Chicago Public School system last week when they came to Deerfield with "A Tale of Two Missions." The controversy couldn't have come at a worse time for Mayor Rahm Emanuel. 

O'Brien: Once Again, Barack Dipping into His Stash (Your Pocket) To Buy Some Votes

By Teri O"Brien -

You knew this was coming. Last Friday,  he was promising a screeching collection of wet-behind-the-ears worshippers in that liberal hell known as Ann Arbor, Michigan that he would take money from those evil millionaires to pay for their student loans. Today he is moving on to goodies for those middle-class suburbanites. From the Wall Street Journal:

President Barack Obama is expected to announce a fresh bid to revive the housing market Wednesday—despite likely congressional opposition—by letting millions of homeowners refinance their mortgages, senior administration officials said.

The plan aims to help borrowers who are current on their mortgages refinance into lower-interest federally insured loans. Borrowers would qualify even if they owe more than their homes are worth or if they have trouble securing a new mortgage from a private lender. …

State of the State BINGO!

From the Illinois Policy Institute -

Today at noon, Gov. Quinn will be delivering his  State of the State Address.

Listen in to what Gov. Quinn will have to say. How he frames the issues and which solutions he offers will be instructive. Will he get behind transformational change, or will he be satisfied with tinkering at the edges? Will he keep his promise to make the tax hike temporary, or will he commit to more unreformed spending that makes the scheduled rollback impossible?

Of course, a big gap can divide rhetoric and reality. It's easy enough to co-opt the language of reform. Who doesn't want to be the champion of small business and working families? But what is promised and what actually happens are often very different things.

Robling: McConnaughay's Conservative Success Shines Through Petty Squabble

By Chris Robling -

For decades, conservatives have fumed over scurrilous accusations hurled in drive-by attacks from liberals and their pliant mainstream media lapdogs.  They usually allege that conservatives are racists, fascists or evil oppressors of the poor and downtrodden, and concerned only with personal gain.  [Read: Jonah Goldberg.]

Such personal attacks frustrate the conservative cause.  They are false, insidious and disrespect the voters we are all supposed to serve.

But some conservatives seem to be concluding, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em." And sadly, instead of training their fire on Democrats, they use this despicable tactic on fellow conservatives. That's what happened recently when State Senator Chris Lauzen (R-Aurora) decided to hurl -- falsely -- the dreaded "pay-to-play" accusation at Kane County Board Chairman Karen McConnaughay.

VIDEO: Syverson on Illinois' economic challenges

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Statehouse News caught up with State Senator Dave Syverson (R), who gives a basic outline of the economic challenges Illinois is facing. Governor Quinn's State of the State address will be today at noon.

CNN's exit polling in Florida primary shows GOP political ideology

Here's a taste of CNN's exit polling from Florida - and how Republicans voted per their self-identified political ideology ... What do you see in these numbers? 

The unfairness of welfare

My guy lost but I'm still proud of him

By Mark Rhoads -

Rick Santorum ran third in Florida with a very small budget. Romney outspent the three other campaigns combined almost 4 to 1 and got 47 percent of the GOP primary voters in Florida or almost $3 per vote but don't worry, he'd got more money left. That is a big plurality in a multi-candidate race but it is still not closing the deal in my opinion. The GOP needs more than just rich people and senior citizens who back Romney in GOP primaries to win in November.

Former Sen. Rick Santorum ran an honorable and positive campaign and I remain proud of him. He stands for principle consistently over a period of years and has an appealing common touch and refreshing humility that I admire in contrast to the overwhelming vanity of many candidates. I understand the preferences of other IR readers and I repect their differences of opinion as to the qualities they most want in a GOP nominee. But the test for me is would I be proud of a candidate win, lose, or draw and Rick Santorum passes that test for me.

A haircut

One day a florist went to a barber for a haircut. After the cut, he asked about his bill, and the barber replied, 'I cannot accept money from you, I'm doing community service this week.' The florist was pleased and left the shop. When the barber went to open his shop the next morning, there was a 'thank you' card and a dozen roses waiting for him at his door.

Later, a cop comes in for a haircut, and when he tries to pay his bill, the barber again replied, 'I cannot accept money from you, I'm doing community service this week.' The cop was happy and left the shop. The next morning when the barber went to open up, there were a 'thank you' card and a dozen doughnuts waiting for him at his door.

Then a Member of Congress came in for a haircut, and when he went to pay his bill, the barber again replied, 'I can not accept money from you. I'm doing community service this week.' The Member of Congress was very happy and left the shop. The next morning, when the barber went to open up, there were a dozen other Members of Congress lined up waiting for a free haircut.

And that, my friends, illustrates the fundamental difference between the citizens of our country and the politicians who run it.

Romney wins in Florida

Immediately after the Florida panhandle polls closed at 7 PM CST, Fox News Election HQ projected Mitt Romney to win the Florida GOP primary with 47% of the vote. Newt Gingrich is projected to come in second with a projected 31%, Rick Santorum with 17% and Ron Paul with 7%.

Obama's real accomplishments

Obama's real accomplishments:

• First President to apply for college aid as a foreign student, then deny he was a foreigner.
• First President to have a social security number from a state he has never lived in.
• First President to preside over a cut to the credit-rating of the United States.
• First President to violate the War Powers Act.
• First President to be held in contempt of court for illegally obstructing oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico.
• First President to defy a Federal Judge’s court order to cease implementing the Health Care Reform Law.

The Mighty Quill of a Westchester Patriot

By John F. Di Leo -

Reflections on the anniversary of the birth of Gouverneur Morris

Willis Haviland Carrier invented the first modern air conditioning machine in 1902 at the Buffalo Forge Company, and today, a century later, it’s difficult to imagine a home or office being built anywhere in America without either central A/C or at least a window or room unit to alleviate the summer heat.

There was no such technological solution in the Founding Era, when statesmen committed to the Glorious Cause spent months at a time in Philadelphia, trying to think straight in a muggy meeting room at what we now call Independence Hall.

Hultgren: New CBO Report Underlines Need For Fiscal Reform

Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today released the following statement after the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) forecasted that the federal budget deficit will exceed $1 trillion once again in 2012.

“A fourth consecutive trillion dollar tidal wave of red ink is unacceptable, and underscores the need for Congress to enact serious budgetary reforms,” said Hultgren. “I remain convinced that the key to breaking Washington’s addiction to spending is the Cut, Cap and Balance Act we passed last year.