Scott Reeder
SPRINGFIELD – Imagine a state government with the worst credit rating in the nation, borrowing money to pay off the personal debts of individuals with six-digit incomes buying homes that cost as much as $500,000.
Make much sense? Nope. But that’s exactly what the state of Illinois is doing.
Two years ago, Illinois lawmakers passed the $45 billion Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan. It was a bipartisan proposal negotiated behind closed doors and designed to pay for repairing highways, building bridges and erecting public buildings. But the plan also set aside $25 million to forgive student loan debt.
The SmartBuy program pays off as much as $40,000 in student loans if the debtor buys a home in Illinois and holds it for three years. Another $5,000 is available as a no-interest loan for a down payment or closing costs.
This state must address blank check mindset
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Current student loan system encourages debt
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Ive’s crying and placing blame because her side lost.
Gotta love that party of responsibility and self-reliance.
This wasn’t a problem for these same people when it was their team doing it. My local community college board got taken over by partisan right wingers, and we just have to live with it.
Agree with the suggestion to eliminate odd year elections. Saves money, makes sure your reps are elected by a representative number of voters.
===While Graham opposes political parties in local elections, teachers unions also should get out of the business of endorsing candidates, she said.===
They should get out of the business of advocating for their members?