[Vision2020] Legislative absences

[Shirley Ringo]

Visionaries:

Uh oh!  Mr. Bennett thinks he has me this time!

 

Yes, I did leave for five days during the 2003 legislative session.  The session was of unprecedented length.  Because of the slow economy, and prior ill-advised tax cuts, state programs were headed for disaster.  Speaker Newcomb was unable to get his very conservative Republican caucus to join Democrats with a plan to generate revenue.  That's why we were there so long.

 

Prior to the session, my husband and I made plans to go to Boston with our older daughter during the week April 21-25.  I did not dream that we would still be in session.

I assure you I considered the matter carefully.  The extra 1% sales tax issue was already settled.  (April 17)  During the week I was gone, there was little business conducted on the House floor, and three bills were acted upon that week in the Revenue and Taxation Committee.  My substitute was the very capable and honorable Dr. Stephen Cooke.  (U of I Ag Econ)  We communicated constantly, and, thanks goodness, he followed my directions carefully.  I can imagine how angry I would have been had he not done that.

 

I worked closely with Dr. Cooke's wife, Judy Brown on tax issues throughout the session.  Steve seemed the most logical choice to replace me.  If I were more of a political animal, I may have chosen a Democrat with immediate plans to run for the legislature.

 

Those five days were the only days I have missed during my four years in the legislature.  If you have further questions, I'll be glad to reply. 
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