Best Wishes for the New Year in 5th District

by State Representative Ken Dunkin

The New Year is the perfect time to reflect on the positive and to renew our efforts to help one another to move forward and tackle the grave conditions facing us and many of our neighbors. I want to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the hard work and resilience of 5th District residents over the past 12 months. As you know, times are tough in Illinois and nationally, but we are all in this together.

Despite the challenges our state faces due to drastically declining revenues, lawmakers were able to pass a budget that avoids the doomsday cuts to human service programs that were initially proposed. We were able to maintain needed services for most of our vulnerable residents, though significant cost-cutting measures were implemented across state government to help preserve these programs. While unemployment continues to be a downward pull on the economy, we were able to pass the largest jobs program in more than 10 years, which will put thousands to work in good-paying jobs fixing our roads, bridges and schools. It is my hope that this will help turn things around in Illinois and provide state government with the revenue we need to provide the services on which so many rely.

While the accomplishments of 2009 might not comfort the many families negatively impacted by the economic crisis – those who lost jobs or are on the verge of foreclosure – we were able to stabilize and avoid more widespread suffering and position the economy for a recovery in 2010. When we emerge from this recession, the state and its residents will be stronger than before, and we will carry with us a new vision and a new way of looking at our priorities and how we care for each other.

Even though times are tough, I have seen the spirit of the people I represent, and it remains strong. I have seen families come together, and I have seen them reach out beyond their homes to help others in need. It is times like these that show us what we truly have, and make us appreciate our fellow man even more.
As always, my office at 1543 N. Wells is available to help you with any problem you face, including cutting the red tape to help you get the services to which you are entitled. If I can ever be of service to you or your family, please do not hesitate to contact me at (312) 266-0340.

Again, Best wishes for the New Year!

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