Typically, we focus on substantive issues and policies in these newsletters. Today’s “Hot Topic of the Week” is a little different – constituent service. From my first day in office…

In this week’s newsletter, it’s time to talk about the least exciting and most important topic that most people in State Government want to avoid – PENSIONS. Before your eyes…

Last week I focused on process – the mess that the Democrats created and then rigged to pass their tax increase. This week I’ll talk a little more about what…

…While the whole wide world was fast asleep, as we once again slouched our way toward a 4:30 AM adjournment on Wednesday, Frank Sinatra’s classic recording of this great Mann…

During last week’s annual Budget Address and State of the State Speech the Governor proposed an increase nearly $2.3 billion in spending over last year. While his revenue estimate results…

When last year’s budget was rolled out, Speaker Welch said: “Today’s agreement proves once again that Democrats can produce a state budget that is both fiscally responsible and compassionate at…

I know it’s hard to wrap one’s head around the idea of a $50 billion budget or $140 billion of unfunded pension liabilities. But here’s something I think most of…

Back at It, Sort Of  Last week we were back in Springfield for the first week of the Spring legislative session. We got the same amount of work done as…

Happy New Year: 2024’s First Legislative Update! Good Morning and Happy New Year! I hope you enjoyed a couple of quiet weeks with your loved ones. In this report, I…

With the holidays coming up, I had intended for last week’s Reick Report to be the final one for the year. However, this week we had a major announcement from the Governor…