Chicago, IL … State Representative Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago) invites residents to visit a new website allowing residents to submit ideas on how to reform state government.

The website, www.ReinventIllinois.com, is an effort by McAuliffe and the House Republicans to reform state priorities and promote fiscal responsibility.  To join the ongoing budget discussions to reform Illinois, please visit www.reinventillinois.com and register for a free login to submit your own ideas. Continue reading »

Springfield, IL … State Representative Michael McAuliffe and the Illinois General Assembly approved a new budget deal Wednesday night that ensures critical state programs and services remain open to serve Illinois residents.

“While this budget deal is not the most ideal, it is the best option we have available to us at the moment. It stabilizes funding for human service providers and gives us a little more time to work on fiscal and ethical reforms without raising taxes,” said McAuliffe. Continue reading »

Springfield , IL … Standing up for taxpayers of Illinois , State Representative Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago) voted against an income tax hike scheme rejected by the General Assembly.

“I am very pleased the income tax hike was rejected by my fellow colleagues. During a national recession, now is not the time to raise taxes on families who are out of work, who can’t make their mortgage payment, who face losing their home to foreclosure and who currently pay the highest sales tax in the nation. Families must cut spending to make ends meet and so should government,” said McAuliffe. Continue reading »

Springfield, IL … State Representative Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago) was honored with a Hero Award from the Illinois Victims Organization during a reception May 13th in Springfield.

“Through the years, I have sponsored legislation defending victim’s rights and am honored to receive this recognition,” said McAuliffe, who sponsored legislation last year allowing global positioning satellite tracking to be used on domestic abuse offenders who violate orders of protection.

Criteria for the award included sponsoring legislation and casting votes protecting victims in their interactions with the criminal justice system, and their support to law enforcement, states attorneys and violence prevention. Continue reading »

Springfield, IL … As a way to promote self-employment for the legally blind, State Representative Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago) sponsored legislation which recently passed the House Disability Services Committee.

“The state already gives priority hiring to veterans, women, minorities and others who have historically overcome obstacles. It only makes sense the legally blind given the same employment opportunities,” said McAuliffe.

Senate Bill 2045 creates the Blind Vendors Act offering a business enterprise program for the blind. Priorities are to be given to blind vendors over operation of vending facilities on state property. It also requires Department of Human Services to deposit net proceeds by vending operations into the Blind Vendor Trust fund to support training, equipping and modernizing vending facilities and establishing new vending facilities.

Illinois Committee of Blind Vendors John Gordon, of Chicago and the 20^th District, has worked with Rep. McAuliffe on the legislation for four years. Continue reading »

Chicago, IL … State Representative Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago), Chicago Alderman Brian Doherty and County Commissioner Peter Silvestri are sponsoring a Property Tax Appeal Seminar to show homeowners of Jefferson Park Township how to appeal their assessments through the Cook County Board of Review.

“The dramatic rise of property assessments is a serious issue. However, there are steps that can be taken to help ease the financial burden. The Property Tax Relief Seminar will educate homeowners on how to make an appeal on their own, without the need of an attorney or tax consultant,” McAuliffe said.

The Property Tax Appeal Seminar with Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Joe Berrios will be held on Wednesday, April 15^th, at the Oriole Park Fieldhouse located at, 5430 N. Olcott Ave., Chicago at 6:30 p.m. Staff from the Board of Review will be there to answer questions and assist you with the appeal of your property tax assessment. Continue reading »

Springfield, IL … In response to Cook County President Todd Stroger’s sales tax hike, State Representative Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago) voted yes on legislation to roll back the county sales tax and mandate a referendum be approved by voters on such increases. Unfortunately, the legislation today failed to receive the 71 votes needed to pass – 61 yes, 55 no.

“Families are taxed to death when you combine the city, county and state taxes on items purchased. Todd Stroger’s tax hike increased the price on everyday items such as appliances, clothing and school supplies. Families living in the inner neighborhoods of Chicago don’t have the option of driving to neighboring counties for cheaper goods. In this economy, people are struggling to make ends meet and this tax increase makes it that much more difficult to maintain a household,” he said.

McAuliffe sponsored House Bill 715 that would roll back the county sales tax to its original 0.75 percent. The legislation also mandates the maximum rate a Home Rule County can impose for sales tax at 0.75 percent. The bill would also require any future proposed increases to be approved by popular referendum.

Cook County is the only home rule county in the state and therefore does not need voter permission to raise taxes like the other 101 counties in Illinois. In February 2008, the Cook County Board approved a measure that more than doubled the county sales tax from 0.75 percent to 1.75 percent. Continue reading »

Springfield, IL … State Representative Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago) today called on Governor Quinn to constrain state spending before raising taxes on hard-working Illinois families. 

“We need a fiscally responsible budget that adequately funds state programs and obligations without raising taxes on hard-working families,” said McAuliffe. “I’ve heard from numerous constituents who are tightening their financial belts and their government should be doing the same.” Continue reading »

Springfield, IL … State Representative Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago) has once again been named Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee for the 96th General Assembly.

“During this tough political climate, I am honored to once again serve as chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee. I look forward to working with my fellow legislators on ways to improve programs to ensure all Illinois veterans are receiving the assistance they need and deserve,” said McAuliffe. Continue reading …

Last year as chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee, McAuliffe worked with the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs to make great strides to meet our veterans’ needs. He supported legislation that would provide homebuyer assistance to veterans, prevent sweeps from state funds dedicated to veterans, increase benefits to veteran-owned businesses, and increased penalties for identify theft against military members. Continue reading »

Springfield, IL … State Representative Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago) supports the Illinois Senate’s overwhelming vote to convict Democrat Governor Rod Blagojevich for abuse of power and federal corruption charges. Immediately after the vote, Blagojevich was removed from office.

“Rod Blagojevich has not only embarrassed the State of Illinois, but failed to work for the very people who elected him,” said McAuliffe. “From day one of the General Assembly’s investigation and trial, Blagojevich has not taken the process seriously. Instead of facing his accusers and pleading his case of innocence, he ran to New York to be interviewed by The View and Larry King Live. At the 11^th hour, he attempted to save his neck while accusing the Senate of running a kangaroo court.”

The impeachable offenses considered by the Senate during the week-long trial included attempting to sell the vacant U.S. Senate seat of President Obama for personal gain; attempting to withhold state money for Children’s Memorial Hospital for a campaign contribution; expanding the state’s healthcare system without legislative approval; bribing the Chicago Tribune Company; and using state deals to get campaign contributions.

McAuliffe said he is ready to move on from the impeachment and get to work on other serious state issues. Continue reading »