*** UPDATE 1*** Raw audio of Sen. Righter’s media availability thanks to our very good buddy Dave Dahl…
*** UPDATE 2*** Righter said he’s had several conversations over the past several day which helped him come to the conclusion that a “Yes” vote was the right vote…
“This state has to start balancing its budgets. That is the first and most important thing. Every dollar that we throw on to the backlog of bills is a dollar that the next generation has to pay for even though we got to spend it. That’s simply wrong.” […]
“Obviously, I am elected and work for the people of the 55th Senate District and that’s who made the call today.” […]
Righter said the impasse has been “very harmful” for EIU and the “university system as a whole.”
“In the end you vote your district, and my district told me to vote for this package.”
Asked what people should cut from their household budgets to pay for the tax hike, Righter said, “Everyone’s gotta balance their budget at home.”
Righter said he spoke to the governor’s office and Leader Brady and “both were very respectful” of how he was planning to vote.
“Today, I represented my district,” he said at the end.
[ *** End Of Update *** ]
* So, why did Republican Sen. Dale Righter break with the governor and vote for a tax hike, budget and BIMP bills? His local Eastern Illinois University president worked him…
- Grand Avenue - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:06 am:
The Squeaky Tax Eater gets the grease.
- DuPage Dave - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:11 am:
In today’s environment this seems unexpected, but it shouldn’t really. Righter represents a district including a state university with very troubled finances, so why would he not support a budget that eases those troubles? The governor is a force in every vote, of course, but not the only one. I think Righter did the right thing.
- LizPhairTax - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:11 am:
Vote your district? Revolutionary!
- say what - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:19 am:
To the tax eater, we do not live in a third world country. Services cost money to pretend otherwise is a lie better a tax hike now then the destruction of the state. When was paid in interest while nonprofits went down is the true disgrace. Finally backbones were shown.
- Chicago Cynic - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:22 am:
Thanks for the explanation Rich. A lot of us who know Sen Righter were scratching our collective heads.
- Now What? - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:23 am:
Good for you, Senator Righter. That’s courage. Now I hope that the rest of the ILGOP will stand up to this governor. The village does not have to be destroyed to be saved.
- Pot calling kettle - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:24 am:
A better question would be why didn’t Senators Tracy, Schimpf, and Syverson vote for the bills. Perhaps Reps. Hammond, Bryant, and Pritchard have a better understanding of the needs of their districts.
- Grand Avenue - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:26 am:
Say what, did you just wake up (it is a holiday so I understand)? Rich had a whole post this morning about how universities, unions, etc (playfully called tax eaters) should be making noise now because IPI, Tribune & friends sure are. Here is an example that proved his point and I am praising them because they got results.
Learn the context before you open your mouth.
- Norseman - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:26 am:
Sen. Righter, thank you for doing the right thing. Better late than never.
- Grand Avenue - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:52 am:
Interesting factors - Righter not up again until 2020 & then will be over 20 years service. Might have helped make the Proft threats fall on deaf ears. Regardless, he voted in the best interests of his district and the state.
- Blitz - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:59 am:
Senator Righter should have our thanks at EIU for taking a very hard vote to support our institution and his district.
- former southerner - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 12:05 pm:
Some people take responsibility for making and owning the tough decisions while weaker characters choose the easy route of whining and complaining. Fortunately today the good senator proved he has the character to take the responsible but more difficult path. His district, and the state, are lucky to have him.
- anon2 - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 12:20 pm:
Now Sen. Righter can expect the same kind of brutal primary that his colleague Sen. McCann had last year.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 12:25 pm:
Good on Righter.
Eastern Illinois needs its advocate, I’m encouraged bag pleased that Sen. Righter was “Green” for EIU
Thank you.
OW
- RNUG - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 6:32 pm:
== Now Sen. Righter can expect the same kind of brutal primary that his colleague Sen. McCann had last year. ==
And IF his district understands he just saved it from burning down, they will come out and support him.
That’s what happened in McCann’s district.
- DavStevens - Wednesday, Jul 5, 17 @ 12:05 pm:
Senator Righter does not play games; you can believe what he says. I believe he made the right decision, and commend him on his political courage. He also voted against pension theft a few years ago. If he is primaried, I and many of my Democratic friends will cross over to support him.
- Carstevens - Wednesday, Jul 5, 17 @ 5:01 pm:
Thank you, Sen. Righter, for your courageous and principled vote in favor of the budget and a reasonable tax increase, and for sticking to it in the override vote. It was a hard choice, but the right one, for the district and the state.