Let's All Talk
Just found out that the House is going to meet as a Committee of the Whole next Tuesday at 1p.m., a day earlier than session was set for next week. The purpose of the committee hearing is to discuss the electric rate issue that has set people into somewhat of a frenzy, especially downstate.While I fully sympathize with my downstate colleagues about the need to address the concerns of their constituents, it sure would be nice if we were able to get the same attention paid to the property tax issue that is ravaging many of the families in Cook County.
On a tangentially related note, Tuesday's hearing is going to pose a logistic issue for many House members. Next Tuesday is the municipal election, and there are a number of people that want/need to tend to local battles back home.
posted by Rep. John Fritchey @ 2/23/2007
4 comments
4 Comments:
I guess when Mike Madigan got Ald. Olivo's opponent knocked off the ballot, he must have thought the election would be cancelled everywhere.
What needs to be discussed? These are some of the most profitable electric companies in the nation. The suggestion that they're going to go bankrupt by keeping rates reasonable is an absolutely ridiculous suggestion. These are regulated monopolies with no competition, and they must be regulated as such. The real problem here is that our lack of campaign finance laws in Illinois have allowed the utilities to take advantage of the "cash addiction" of our local officials.
If people are suffering because of rising electric rates then something should be done. I'm never in favor of rate freezes because I believe in letting the market determine prices. Also I saw the press conference on the Illinois Channel website and they were talking about more competition, I would be for that. The question is though how would that work. How could the state get more energy companies for the purposes of competition.
What market? There is no market. These companies are monopolies. It 'aught to be illegal for them to contribute to political campaigns.
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