Mike Jacobs "2005 Legislative Wrap Up"

Sen. Mike Jacobs recently sent out a nice looking campaign mailing highlighting his accomplishments over the past year. A copy has made it's way to me, and I'm more than happy to pass on these accomplishments to my readers.

Some have accused me of not touting Jacobs' accomplishments, and my defense is that I would if I was aware of any, though I'd hasten to point out that I truly wouldn't expect miracles from anyone who's been in office such a relatively short time. And of course, Jacobs or his allies have never failed to remind us here of his supposed achievements repeatedly and often, to repeat them would be overkill on top of overkill. I've given him credit for his role in promoting the WIU/Riverfront campus, and now we have a list of what Jacobs himself feels are his accomplishments over the past year.

- Jacobs co-sponsored with Rep. Pat Verschoore, HB1919 allowing Casino Rock Island to move operations to wetlands near the junction of I-20 and IL 92. The project is said to cost $90 million. Jacobs suggests this will "attract weekend visitors and traffic from outside Northwestern Illinois and encourage new growth in the area." He also says the project will bring "hundreds" of new construction jobs temporarily and "300 to 400 new permanent jobs at the expanded facility."

- Jacobs co-sponsored HB 2137, a bill to toughen worker compensation laws to "fight the fraud that hurts employers and employees".

- Jacobs asked QC Chamber of Commerce President Rick Baker to form a WIU-QC "Blue Ribbon Task Force" to "explore concepts" on expanding the riverfront campus of WIU in Moline. Blagojevich agreed to a request to "coven a financial think-tank" to look into ways to finance the project. "After meetings in Chicago and Moline, we are awaiting the next step in this exciting initiative."

- Jacobs "supported" Blagojevich's "All Kids" health insurance plan.

- Jacobs was "involved in the process" of legislation which is an effort to combat what many consider largely mythical "frivolous lawsuits" and a blow against a citizens right to sue for malpractice. He explains support of this effort by saying that it's not "against" lawyers or "for" doctors, but better for everyone. He considers it a compromise measure which is a step in "bringing a final resolution to the crisis" he maintains is plaguing northwest Illinois and the entire state.

- Jacobs signed on as co-sponsor of a bill toughening anti-methamphetamine laws and requiring people buying cold remedies which contain an ingredient needed to make meth to show I.D. and sign a log book.

- Jacobs notes that the recent state budget includes over $31 million for area road projects in 2006 and is part of $188 million proposed to be spent in the district on "infrastructure improvements between now and 2011".

- Jacobs notes that he's "pleased" that area hospitals will receive state funds from a new funding formula enacted in the General Assembly this year. "A boost of over $3.6 million over next year will go a long way in helping these healthcare centers provide essential health care services."

So there you have the essence of the "2005 Wrap-up". Make of it what you wish.