* A Republican legislator who most believe is actively auditioning for an agency directorship…

[GOP Senator Dave Syverson] voted against the temporary tax increase in 2011, when it was passed into law by the General Assembly. However, with a new governor coming in and the tax set to automatically roll back 2% in January, the issue is once again being debated by the Illinois General Assembly. “If the tax comes off in January, in the next 6 months we are going to end up with a multi-million dollar [budget] hole,” said Senator Syverson.

Without that money, Syverson warns that schools, daycares, and nursing home staff will not get paid. On top of that, the state will owe them interest.

First, it is automatically rolling back to 3.75 percent from 5. That’s not a 2 percent rollback. Second, the hole is multi-billion dollars deep.

* But, whatever. Syverson is obviously a team player. He will take any politically unpopular vote necessary to help his state - now that we have a Republican governor-elect, of course. Nevermind that he’s being mentioned as a potential director of the Department of Insurance. That potential personal advancement has nothing whatsoever to do with his profound courage. It’s the right thing to do.

No snark intended.

OK, well, maybe a little.

But, hey, take him at his word. He wants to help, and that’s not a bad thing.

* By contrast, here’s a Republican legislator who’s obviously not interested in “the team” and is therefore still clinging to the old magic beans solution…

However, Representative Joe Sosnowski (R) believes the state can save money from other funds to cover the projected income deficit. He says there’s half a billion dollars sitting in Medicaid alone that the state can save. “My feeling is, before we look to extending [the income tax,] we really need to look at our spending and what reforms we can do,” said Representative Sosnowski.

Stay away from baseball bats, Joe. [/snark because metaphor]

That clip may be a little harsh for morning (or work) viewing. Be advised.