State Legislators Meet to Talk Local Politics

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[ House Republican Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) and State Representative Mike Bost (R-Murphysboro) met with Jackson county officials in their on-going campaign to meet with locals and get a greater sense of what is going on in their communities.

House Leader Cross spoke about state spending and the new taxes that are being considered.

"It is the wrong time for a gas tax," Cross stated, "There is a lot you should do before raising any taxes."

Governor Pat Quinn has stated he wishes to raise income taxes and gas taxes in Illinois.

However, both Cross and Bost stated that things are better than they were.

"At least with Quinn there is better communication," Bost stated.

Questions were also asked concerning the upcoming bills for concealed carry and raises for legislators.

"We are against taking any raises right now. It is not the time," Cross said, "But like many other bills, the Speaker will not bring it up and so we can't vote on it. They are just stalling."

Cross also stated that if a Capitol bill is to pass for the state that it would need to be in the next 5 to 6 weeks to be effective.