Ill. House Reps bail after one hour

Rep. Dwight Kay

Take a look at this email today from Illinois House Representative Dwight Kay
(R-112 (Edwardsville)).

"Today, I was appalled with all the issues facing Illinois that the Illinois House was in Session for little over an hour.  This cost taxpayers over $40,000 and yet there is work to do.  

"Unemployment is at 9.3%, our state has over $100 billion in pension debt, and Illinois still owes $3 billion is past due bills.


"With two weeks until the House is scheduled to adjourn, there is plenty of work left for the legislature to handle.  Such as voting on a state budget, passing concealed carry, and stabilizing the pension system.


"If I can be of assistance to you please contact my office at 618-307-9200."

If he was appalled, what should we be? Outraged? Fighting mad? Incensed?

Or maybe we should be thankful that that short day cost us only $40,000. Just think what it could have cost us, had the House been in session all day. Maybe we got off lucky.

It would be interesting to see the daily attendance card for the full House. Maybe a color-coded chart showing whether they were present or absent. And, if present, were they awake? Prepared? Attentive? Making side deals? Or laughing at anyone who was addressing them?

Thanks, Rep. Kay, for your honesty and your disgust with your colleagues. Who sets the length of the day in the House? Speaker Madigan?