I received a copy of the email below this morning. I first met Lori when she ran for Vermilion County Board, and I can say with all confidence that she is a tireless campaigner, and will be a great champion for both Champaign and Vermilion Counties in Springfield. I think Democrats have a lot of cause for celebration that Lori has decided to run.
(Text of email in first comment.)
Sent: Mon, 18 Feb 2008 8:35 pm
Subject: STATE REPRESENTATIVE RACE 104TH DISTRICT
Dear Friends,
It is with great excitement that I formally announce my candidacy to be your next State Representative in the 104th District! It is truly an honor that party leaders have decided to nominate me for placement on the General Election ballot in November 2008.
In spite of my excitement around this opportunity, I must share with you my concerns for the State of Illinois. As many of you may know, we face a serious structural deficit where our annual revenues have not kept pace with inflation and the increasing demand for public services. We have failed to keep up with our obligation to fully fund pensions for our public employees. We have not made timely Medicaid payments to our providers who deliver important healthcare services to our most vulnerable citizens. Our state debt per capita is more than double that of the national average and according to the National Association of State Budget Officers, our state debt is now classified as "unmanageable."
For our citizens, the median household income is declining. Property tax burdens are increasing, in large part due to the state's failure to pay its responsible share of school funding. These problems, coupled with the reality that over 40% of Illinois workers lack employer-provided health insurance or pensions, lead to a very insecure future for working families. High paying manufacturing jobs have been replaced with lower paying service sector jobs that frequently lack the wages and benefits to keep people out of poverty. As a state, we struggle to compete with our more economically prosperous neighbors who are able to offer more attractive incentive packages for business development within their boundaries. This is further exacerbated, particularly in areas of the 104th District, by the decreasing availability of an adequately educated workforce. This certainly makes it more difficult to attract, retain and expand the presence of corporations which could help our local economy flourish. The very fact that we are ranked lowest in the Nation at contributing a responsible portion of funding for our educational system has truly come back to hurt us with significantly larger economic and social costs.
However, this is the time for change, not finger pointing. In an interview with WDWS 1400 AM on August 7, 2007, Bill Black commented that due to being a member of the minority party for 19 of the last 21 years, he has not been successful at advancing an agenda on behalf of the 104th district. It is imperative that your next State Representative be an individual who can effectively work within the majority party as well as be willing to reach across the aisle, working together with both parties to address the serious challenges which face the State of Illinois. During my time on the Vermilion County board, I have demonstrated an ability to be an independent thinker who is capable and willing to work with both Democrats and Republicans in order to address the needs, concerns and interests of my constituents. I am confident that, as your next State Representative, I will be able to effectively, responsively and proactively address the needs of this district, giving each of you a stronger voice in Springfield. But, I will need your help.
The next seven months will be labor-intensive. There are a number of ways that you can support this campaign and help ensure that it will be a successful one. The following are a few ideas on where your time, talents and resources can be helpful:
Hosting a meet and greet in your neighborhood
Placing a yard sign at your home, wearing a campaign button, or putting a bumper sticker on your car
Walking your precinct with me and organizing other walkers to accompany us
Writing or emailing letters to your friends asking for their support
Making a financial contribution
Although each of those areas are important, the last - making a financial contribution - is especially important. My committee will be hosting a number of fundraisers in the coming months, but any assistance this campaign can receive in the interim will help me reach many more constituents who, just like you, want to see significant change in the very near future.
If you are able to help in any way, please contact me at (Note: I've removed the email address and phone number, rather than publish them on a harvestable web page. I'd be happy to supply them to anyone who requests them individually. --Kevin) You may also mail any financial contribution to:
DeeAnn Ryan, Treasurer
Committee to Elect Lori DeYoung
107 W. Raymond
Danville, IL 61832
Remember, every vote counts and I am counting on yours. Please forward this to all of your friends who might like to know about this campaign or would like to contact me with their legislative concerns.
Thanks for your support and encouragement -
Lori DeYoung