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A crowdfunding effort has been launched to raise the money needed to keep the 50-year tradition of stringing Christmas lights on the dome alive this year.

It was launched Thursday by Kristina Rasmussen, executive vice president of the conservative Illinois Policy Institute.

“I put it up (Thursday) morning,” Rasmussen said. “It’s pretty simple. I’m a Springfield resident, and I really like Christmas. I like holiday cheer. I like Christmas lights. I like Christmas ornaments. I thought it would be nice for the community, if this is something they value, to help step up and privately fundraise for this.”

Secretary of State Jesse White’s office said this week that it would not be stringing the lights on the dome as a money-saving move. The office said it will save $7,300.

On the GoFundMe website, Rasmussen wrote: “Illinois is broke and state officials are wisely cutting back on non-essential spending. Let’s come together as a community to privately fund this annual tradition.”

* SJ-R editorial…

Homebound senior citizens are getting fewer nutritious meals delivered to their homes. Public health departments are cutting back on services. Doctors are being asked to treat state workers and their families without any expectation of getting paid anytime soon. Shelters for women fleeing domestic abuse are closing or cutting back. The list of effects of Illinois’ budget impasse goes on and on.

But talk about not decorating the Capitol dome for Christmas, and the public attention perks up […]

Friday’s newspaper had another story about a different fundraising effort. This one was about Megan Garcia, a Cantrall sixth-grader. Columnist Dave Bakke told the tale of how Megan, who’s 11, heard of a local family facing the crisis of having a 2-year-old diagnosed with a brain tumor, and decided to help. First, she asked for donations to the family in lieu of birthday presents. Then she organized a school fundraiser. At the end, she raised more than $3,000 to help the Ingram family. […]

If you’re fortunate enough to be able to help others in need — no matter how small the amount — this will be the year to contribute.

And that generosity toward the most vulnerable among us will light up the holidays far more than strands of bulbs hanging from a dome ever could.

Agreed and that’s why I didn’t link to Kristina’s GoFundMe page last week. I think it’s nice that she’s doing it, and I don’t oppose it at all, but I’m channeling my energy elsewhere this year.

By the way, I checked with the SoS office and they said they’ve told Rasmussen to forward the money directly to CWLP because they don’t have any appropriations authority.

*** UPDATE *** Press release…

Secretary of State Jesse White announced today that the Christmas lights at the Capitol dome in Springfield will be able to shine throughout the holiday season due to a $7,300 electricity payment provided by the Basic Crafts Council of Mid-Central Illinois.

“I commend the Basic Crafts Council of Mid-Central Illinois for their generosity and holiday spirit,” said White. “Their payment of $7,300 to the local power company, City Water Light and Power, allows the state to continue the more than 50-year tradition of adorning the Capitol Dome with colorful and festive Christmas lights. I also want to thank the Operating Engineers’ Local 965, Laborers Local 477 and Carpenters Local 270, who make up the Crafts Council.”

The Basic Crafts Council of Mid-Central Illinois submitted the check to the City of Springfield’s City Water Light and Power to defray the utility costs associated with powering the Christmas lights atop the Capitol dome during the holiday season.

The Secretary of State’s office had made the decision on Tuesday, November 3 to forgo putting up the Christmas lights on the Capitol Dome because the lights are nonessential and because the office is cutting costs in order to save money during the budget impasse. The office is committed to providing customer service and essential services to the public for as long as possible.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:24 am

Comments

When does IPI start a GoFundMe for families who have lost their childcare assistance?

Comment by chi Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:26 am
I don’t think it is grinch-y at all to simply not string lights on the State Capitol. This is a fine year to reconsider that tradition. I never actually noticed the lights and will not miss them.

Comment by Morningstar Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:29 am
Good call, Rich.

Comment by UIC Guy Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:30 am
priorities…

Comment by Cubs in '16 Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:37 am
I’d expect that AFCSME and AFL CIO unions would give generously to this fund since union workers will be stringing the lights, right?

Oh, I forgot. Unions TAKE from government, they don’t GIVE for the common good. My bad….

Comment by Arizona Bob Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:41 am
When do the critics start a GoFundMe for families who have lost their child care assistance? Or anything else?

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:43 am
Let your “War on Christmas” continue! ‘SNARK’

Comment by Jacketpotato Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 10:58 am
I love Christmas, too.

It’s an annual reminder to aspire to live and act by the code of ethics as espoused by Jesus Christ.

Comment by Wordslinger Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:03 am
You have hit the problem with letting private philanthropy take over the role of government. Companies and people like to fund items like the holiday lights, especially if they get recognition. But it doesn’t work to fund items like child care or senior nutrition programs without government.

Comment by Chicago Guy Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:06 am
“Unions TAKE from government, they don’t GIVE for the common good.”

Arizona Bob repeats himself; first as comedy, then as farce.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:08 am
Three local unions have decided to split the cost, and the business manager for Laborer’s Local 477 says the process of hanging the lights should start immediately.

Comment by Millennium Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:10 am
Way to go Megan! And thank you, Rich, for once again reminding us that there are people who have their priorities in order.

What is sad is that it takes a 6th grader to show us who the real adults in the room really are!

Comment by illini Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:11 am
==By the way, I checked with the SoS office and they said they’ve told Rasmussen to forward the money directly to CWLP because they don’t have any appropriations authority. ==
What the donors don’t understand is: CWLP will use their donations to pay down what the state owes them for electricity.

Comment by Mama Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:31 am
Meh. Humbug. I suspect IPI’s motivation is to avoid more bad press for the TA. Holiday cheer; not so much. Talk about year-round grinchiness.

Comment by X-prof Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 11:47 am
So if an 11 year old can raise $3000 for the Ingram family and the IPI has raised the money to light the Capitol will they donate the excess contribution to Megans cause -

“And that generosity toward the most vulnerable among us will light up the holidays far more than strands of bulbs hanging from a dome ever could.”

Comment by illini Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:03 pm
Just a little union holiday spirit!

Comment by Archiesmom Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:10 pm
While it’s commendable that the Basic Crafts Council of Mid-Central Illinois (not IPI BTW) stepped up, it would have been more worthwhile for them to donate the money to local charities to offset some of the hardship caused by no budget. We can do without Christmas lights, but people need basics like food, shelter, heat and clothes.
Wonder what IRP will do with whatever money they managed to raise since it’s not needed now?

Comment by ANONIME Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:14 pm
how could the IPI not get enough money with all their business ties?

thank you to unions who give back to community.

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:20 pm
It is just like someone from the Illinois Policy Institute to get all worked up about Christmas lights. Children without care, the sick getting sicker, people losing their jobs and losing hope….nah…none of that matters.

But we can’t go without strings of lights on a building that only people in Springfield ever see!!!!!

Comment by Just Me Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:24 pm
http://www.ilgive.com/
Here’s someone doing something for people in need. They’re targeting Giving Tuesday as a fundraising day for Illinois. If your local nonprofit isn’t on there, get them to sign up and then get people to support them. Giving Tuesday won’t help for Thanksgiving, but it will help for a holiday season and cold winter.

Comment by Earnest Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:27 pm
**I’d expect that AFCSME and AFL CIO unions would give generously to this fund since union workers will be stringing the lights, right? Oh, I forgot. Unions TAKE from government, they don’t GIVE for the common good. My bad….**

AZ Bob - hope you you’re paying attention to who is now paying for the lights.

Comment by AlabamaShake Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:29 pm
It is good to see the Rauner funded, daerk money lobbos at IPI set priorities…maybe Tilman can pass the hat the Trump Dump tonite.

Comment by Anonin' Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:37 pm
AZ Bob, how’s that crow taste?

Comment by jerry 101 Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:48 pm
AZ Bob, before you eat crow, you’ll need to take your foot out of your mouth.

Comment by 360 Degree TurnAround Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 12:51 pm
Megan Garcia for governor.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 3:04 pm
I guess the IPI couldn’t stand the irony of having dim bulbs at the state capitol.

Comment by South Central Monday, Nov 9, 15 @ 3:40 pm