House Candidate Survey Results

I have a 14 year record in the Illinois House of Representatives that back up my answers.

Selling the lottery would be totally unacceptale. There is legislation that I sponsored and passed regarding problem gambling that would probably be ignored.

I do not support the expansion of gambling in Illinois to fund education. Over the past four years, Illinois has seen $3.5 billion in new spending while raiding state employee and retired teacher pension funds to the tune of an additional $3.5 billion dollars. Our state continues to spiral into debt with $20.3 billion in General Bond debt and Medicaid debt ballooning to $8.6 billion dollars. Yes, we are in debt; however, the expansion of gambling is an impulse solution to a serious issue.

First and foremost, our state must stop the excessive spending of hundereds of millions of tax dollars on new programs - regardless of how well meaning. Our state, like the families of this state, must balance its checkbook before we take on new responsibilities. Reform our budget process by eliminating glossy projects to secure re-election efforts. The state must start paying their Medicaid bills without haste or delay to ensure local pharmacists and doctors, nursing homes and community hospitals can continue to serve our families. By paying our bills today, fostering a positive growth economic environment, and stop borrowing money, we can fund education.

With 12 years of fincancial advisement, I plan on employing these business strategies to bring Illinois back into the black. Funding education can no longer be political leverage for professional politicians when bargaining their new initiatives. Our first step in truely funding state 3education is bringing our state back to the basics of healthy debate, 3/5^th bipartisan votes, fiscal accountability, and upholding the values of citizens that have elected us to office.

My husband and I very occasionally go to casinos or the race track with $20.00 each to spend -- the same as any other evening's entertainment. I support severe restrictions so that "gambling" remains "entertainment" for all and cannot be a sickness or take all of someones savings. Gambling is harmful when people can't stop and casinos, etc. should have to kick in $ for programs for addicts, etc.

I understand that gambling, like alcohol, can become an addiction, therefore we need to help those that are addicted and do all we can to keep addiction from occuring. If mild forms of gambling are available, perhaps people won't be tempted to spend big dollars, but we'll never stop gambling anymore then we can stop drinking.

#3. Lotteries were supposed to be for ed. Then they took their $ away from ed. so it all equaled out. I don't think scratch-offs are as addictive as other forms. I would have to look at statistics and the purpose for more scratch offs.
#4. Slots at the track would even up the score so bills wouldn't have to be proposed + named (my opponents bill) to protect the tracks, slots are already at casinos any way tracks already have betting.
#7. I am not familiar with these in Il. they have helped some tribes a lot + some not at all. I would have to study the bill.
#9. I am not familiar with current laws in IL for Catholic churches, e.g. or other clubs. Some might be all right - others not. I would depend on the bill.

Thank you for your interest in my candidacy for State Representative in the 113^th District. As you may be aware, I am currently running unopposed in the November 7^th General Election.

Due to my lack of opposition, I regretfully and respectfully decline the opportunity to complete your survey. My legislative record should speak for itself.

Thank you again and I look forward to working with you in the future.

Sincerely,
THOMAS HOLBROOK
State Representative
113^th District

Thank you for your interest in my candidacy for State Representative in the 116^th District. As you may be aware, I am currently running unopposed in the Fall 2006 Election.

I am regretfully and respectfully not responding to surveys or questionnaires. I am proud of my legislative record and stand on my history of votes on your issures.

Thank you again and I look forward to working with you in the future.

Sincerely,
Dan Reitz
State Representative
116^th District