NW Illinois News

Illinois state representative Tony M. McCombie spoke to the General Assembly about the state budget on January 31st. McCombie revealed representatives who will be taking on new roles.

Tony McCombie was elected to represent the individuals living in the 71st District in 2016. She is a lifelong resident of Savanna, Ill., and earned a Bachelor of Arts from Western Illinois University. She owns and operates Blue Appraisals and is a real estate broker with MelFoster Company. Her previous political experience includes time as the mayor of Savanna, Ill., and as a councilor on the Savanna City Council.

"The budget is the most important single piece of legislation we do each year," McCombie said. "It outlines our shared priorities and is a statement of our values. We're here to ask that our priority as a state be one of bipartisan effort, transparency, mutual respect and fiscal responsibility. Today I'm announcing my budget team for the 103rd general assembly and to discuss the budget-making reforms the House Republican caucus will be proposing. I am pleased that Deputy Leader Norine Hammond has accepted my appointment as Chief budgeteer. Her in-depth experience and appropriation and policy makes her the best person for this important role. I have no doubt her understanding of the processes of state government will ensure that the budget benefits all Illinoisans. She will work diligently and with the dedication required to ensure the needs and concerns of so many that will be considered during this budget process. Deputy Leader Hammond knows better than anyone that throwing more money into the state coffers does not curb spending or make structural reforms." 

McCombie also discussed other new personnel choices.

"Representative Amy Elik will be elevated as Deputy budgeteer," McCombie said. "She has spent the past 28 years working as a certified public accountant and auditor for businesses and governmental bodies. She is a valuable voice for sensible fiscal management and good government budgeting practices within our caucus. I've also named Representative Elik to replace me to serve on the Audit Commission. Rep. Elik will provide critical support to the oversight of our agencies, the budget process and to Deputy Leader Hammond in improving the most important piece of legislation to come before us in the State House. Illinois cannot afford any more broken promises. 

McCombie went on to bemoan the state's tax situation. 

"By nearly every measure we have the highest taxes in the Midwest and some of the highest taxes in the country" McCombie said. "Time and time again Illinois Democrats have committed to crafting meaningful reforms only to mislead small business owners and taxpayers. Many people say Republicans want to vote no. We stand before you to tell you that preconceived notion is false. Illinois House Republicans are here to govern. We are here to give solutions. We want to help and are willing to share our ideas that address the budget shortcomings and provide tax reform policies that Illinois taxpayers and job creators need to stay in Illinois and need to grow in Illinois. Republicans represent parts of all 102 counties. The budget process should not be so difficult, and it should be bipartisan. The budget bills do not need to come forward in the final hours of the session with little or no Republican input and certainly, the budget should not be used as a political football year after year. As each General Assembly kicks off you hear a call for bipartisan agreement. 

McCombie wants Illinois and the General Assembly to listen to the advice of the speaker.

"During our inauguration speeches, the speaker and I made many statements," McCombie said. "Might I suggest this year we back his words of yes we can and with my words yes we will. These proposals present a real common sense approach to responsible budgeting for the state of Illinois. I call on Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois House Democrats to adopt these reforms and join us in forging a new path forward for the Illinois House of Representatives."

Rep. Amy Elik previously served on the House Republican budget team, the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability and other financial committees. Rep. Norine Hammond has been a member of the Higher Education Committee. She's also advocated for reform and cost-cutting measures throughout her time as a representative.