John Cavaletto Issues Statement on Illinois Commerce Commission’s Decision to Approve Ameren Rate Hikes

Released September 24, 2008

“I am very disappointed that the Illinois Commerce Commission has once again chosen to side with Ameren instead of with Illinois’ working families. Their decision today reinforces the need for a new process to approve electric rate increases. Political appointees of Governor Blagojevich should not hold the fate of working families and senior citizens living on fixed incomes in their hands. During these difficult economic times, unemployment is up and incomes are down. Families and senior citizens already face difficult choices due to a previous decision by the ICC to allow electric rates to increase.

With the soaring cost of fuel and food, the hard working men and women of southern Illinois simply can not afford to pay these higher electric bills. I strongly encourage the Illinois Commerce Commission to reconsider this decision and side with Illinois’ working families.”

- John Cavaletto, Candidate for State Representative - 107th District

Cavaletto Opposes Ameren Rate Hike

Released September 18, 2008

Salem, IL - Republican nominee for State Representative John Cavaletto is urging the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) to deny Ameren’s $207 million delivery-rate increase on Southern Illinois gas and electric customers.

“Families in Southern Illinois cannot pay for another electric and gas rate increase,” Cavaletto said. “Some families are still trying to pay off last winter’s outrageous energy bills. The ICC must stop Ameren’s rate hikes and stand on the side of consumers,” Cavaletto said.

Administrative law judges for the ICC approved $163.6 million delivery rate-increase for three Ameren Illinois companies servicing Southern Illinois: AmerenCILCO, AmerenCIPS and AmerenIP. The five-member ICC panel is scheduled to grant all, part or none of Ameren’s rate hike on September 24.
“The ICC has an opportunity to stand up for seniors, veterans and families living on fixed incomes and deny this obscene rate hike,” Cavalleto said. “Rather than being Rod Blagojevich’s rubber stamp, members of the ICC board must stand up for families and tell Ameren no.”
Members of the Illinois Commerce Commission are appointed by Governor Rod Blagojevich and confirmed by the Illinois State Senate for five-year terms. The State Senate is controlled by Democratic Senate President Emil Jones, who remains a close ally of Governor Blagojevich.
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Paid for by Friends for John Cavaletto

Cavaletto Hosts Successful “Italian Night” Fundraiser in Centralia

CAVALETTO JOINS SUPPORTERS FOR GENKOTA WINERY FUNDRAISER

CAVALETTO HOLDS COMMANDING LEAD IN RACE FOR STATE REPRESENTATIVE

Released August 27, 2008

Salem, IL – A recent poll of the 107th District shows that Republican candidate John Cavaletto holds a commanding lead in the race for State Representative.

The poll, commissioned for the Cavaletto Campaign, found John Cavaletto leading his Democrat opponent, Patti Hahn, 55% to 31%. Cavaletto’s 24-point lead makes him the favorite to win the race for State Representative in the 107th District.

While Cavaletto is pleased with the poll results, he indicated that his campaign is going full-steam ahead in order to win on November 4th.

“Things are looking good for my campaign,” Cavaletto said. “Everywhere we go, people are showing their support for me and that’s encouraging. Connie and I are working hard to earn the votes of the people of the 107th District.”

Cavaletto’s poll was conducted by TelOpinion Research (TOR), a respected national polling firm based in Alexandria, Virginia. Barry Zeplowitz, Vice-President and Research Director of TOR, commented on the poll results.

“John Cavaletto has a commanding lead in this race,” Zeplowitz said. “Cavaletto starts off in a strong position and it is his race to win.”

Cavaletto is energized and eager to get to work on the issues.

“My campaign is about putting people above politics,” said Cavaletto. “It’s about bringing jobs to our area. It’s about fiscal responsibility and balancing the state budget without raising taxes on hard-working families and seniors. I am happy to see that these issues resonate with the voters and look forward to Election Day.”

In the race for President, the TOR poll found Republican John McCain leading Democrat Barack Obama by 10 points in the 107th District.

Cavaletto Urges Governor, Dept. of Corrections to End Mandatory Overtime on Frontline Prison Staff

Released August 13, 2008
Salem, IL – Republican candidate for State Representative John Cavaletto is urging Governor Blagojevich and the Illinois Department of Corrections to terminate the ‘mandatory overtime’ policy affecting the lives of 7,200 frontline prison employees.

“A prison guard didn’t sign up for mandated, 12 to 14 hour days several days a week,” Cavaletto said. “Forced overtime only leads to staff exhaustion, dangerous working conditions and millions in overtime pay from our cash-strapped state government.”

Corrections employees who refuse mandatory overtime are subject to disciplinary action, including suspension without pay and even termination.

According to AFSCME, prior to the early retirement package offered in 2001, Illinois state prisons employed 9,200 security personnel. Today, a mere 7,200 frontline staffers manage the state’s 43,000 inmate population. The Governor’s refusal to fill these vacant positions remains the catalyst for mandated overtime to cover understaffed shifts.

“We must bring prison staffing up to appropriate levels to ensure safety,” said Cavaletto. “Our prisons are in crisis and lives are at risk.”

Illinois taxpayers have paid over $37 million in 2008 alone for Corrections’ mandatory overtime, a $24 million increase since 2002. According to AFSCME, state overtime funding increased by 60% for the Big Muddy River Correctional Center and 142% for the Centralia Correctional facility since FY 2002.

“Rather than paying out millions in overtime costs, the Governor needs to hire hard-working folks to fill the 1,500 prison openings,” Cavaletto said. “We can keep our current staffers safe, increase inmate supervision and bolster our local economy with new jobs.”

The American Correctional Association reported in 2006 that Illinois had the lowest staff-to-inmate ratio of any state in the Midwest. Illinois continues to rank below the national average in corrections staffing.

“As State Representative, I will stand beside our frontline staff and demand mandatory overtime be abolished from our correctional system,” Cavaletto said.

John Cavaletto Signs No-New-Tax Pledges

Click Here to Download John’s No-New-Tax-Hike Petition

Released August 5, 2008

Salem, IL – Today, Republican State Representative candidate John Cavaletto demonstrated his dedication to taxpayers of the 107th District by signing the Taxpayer Protection Pledge and the Tax Accountability 2008 Pledge. Cavaletto is committed to opposing and voting against any and all tax increases on working families and local businesses.

In addition, Cavaletto has started a petition drive to oppose the Democrats’ rumored income tax hike.

“The Democrats that control state government are trying to fleece taxpayers out of more money by increasing the income tax,” Cavaletto said. “With families facing a downturn in the economy, high energy costs and skyrocketing college tuition bills, state government must stop wasteful spending, live within its means and not increase taxes on hard working families.”

Last week, House Democrat Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie said a ‘modest’ tax rate hike, coupled with a constitutional amendment allowing the state to apply a higher tax rate to the highest earners would enjoy substantial support among House members. Democrat House Speaker Michael Madigan has denied wanting to raise the income tax after the fall election, but he would not rule out an increase in 2009, stating, “Spring is spring. It’s a long time away.”

While Governor Blagojevich has been in office, Democrats’ wasteful spending has increased by $9 billion, while the State’s deficit continues to grow at a rate of $3.6 billion annually. This April, Illinois House Democrats attempted to generate $3 billion by doubling the income tax to six percent on middle class families and small businesses.

“People down here need to know they can count on their elected representative to stand up for them against tax-and-spend Democrat policies,” said Cavaletto. “As your State Representative, I will vote against any income tax, sales tax or other tax increase on families and area businesses.”

By signing the pledges, Cavaletto assures voters he will be a dependable vote for fiscal responsibility as a member of the Illinois House of Representatives.

Cavaletto continued, “I am committed to the principles of limited government and fiscal restraint. Taxpayers should not bear the financial burden of the Democrats’ spending addiction.”

A three percent flat income tax is Illinois’ largest general revenue source, generating approximately 36% of all General Funds in 2008. Income tax revenue has grown from $8.4 billion in 2002 to $11.1 billion in 2008, a $2.7 billion or 32% increase.

“As your State Representative, I’ll be honest and upfront with taxpayers when it comes to taxes,” Cavaletto said. “Simply put, I will oppose any and all tax increases.”

To join John Cavaletto’s “Agenda for Action” to fight the Democrats’ income tax hike, please sign Cavaletto’s petition at www.johncavaletto.com or visit the Salem Campaign Headquarters at 1370 West Main Street.

John Cavaletto Offers Plan to Bring Relief to Families and Seniors Struggling with Skyrocketing Property Taxes

Released July 24, 2008
Salem, IL - Families and seniors throughout Illinois are enduring financial hardship due to skyrocketing property taxes. Republican nominee for State Representative John Cavaletto rolled out a plan that would deliver immediate property tax relief and put money back into the pockets of Illinois residents.

Included as part of their Agenda for Action, Cavaletto and House Republicans propose:

• Increasing the Homestead Exemption from $6,000 to $7,500 and increasing the Senior Homestead Exemption from $4,000 to $5,500
• Doubling the Income Tax Credit from 5% to 10% to increase the Property Tax Rebate

“Families need relief from skyrocketing property taxes and they need it now,” said Cavaletto. “Rising property taxes, high gas prices and expensive tuition bills are putting families under a difficult financial strain.”

The Homestead Exemption is applied against the assessed value of a home to reduce the assessment. Seniors can utilize both the General and Senior Homestead Exemptions; and families can utilize only the General Homestead Exemption. Under Cavaletto’s plan, a senior’s $100,000 home assessment would be lowered to $87,000 and their property taxes would be reduced.

“Immediate tax relief is crucial in today’s tough economy,” Cavaletto said. “Families are working hard to pay off their mortgages, fill up their trucks with gas, and pay their kid’s college tuition or back-to-school supplies. And some of our people, especially seniors on fixed incomes, are being taxed right out of their homes. Government must recognize how hard families are working and offer real property tax relief.”

Additionally, all Illinois homeowners receive a 5% credit on their income taxes for property taxes paid. A homeowner who pays $5,500 in property taxes currently receives a $275 tax credit; but under Cavaletto’s plan, the credit would double to $550.

To join John Cavaletto’s “Agenda for Action” to bring relief from skyrocketing property taxes, please sign-up at www.johncavaletto.com, call John personally at (618) 548-8043, or visit the Salem Campaign Headquarters at 1370 West Main Street.

Cavaletto Hosts Successful Town Hall Meeting

Released July 16, 2008

Cavaletto Hosts Town Hall Meeting in Mt. Vernon
More than 100 Constituents Participate in Successful Event

Salem, IL – As part of his ongoing “listening tour,” John Cavaletto hosted a town hall meeting Tuesday night in Mt. Vernon. Cavaletto, along with several Republican legislators, unveiled an “Agenda for Action” to help get Illinois back on track.

Cavaletto, the Republican candidate for State Representative, was joined by State Representatives David Reis (R-Willow Hill) and Ron Stephens (R-Greenville). They discussed their seven-point agenda to create jobs, reign in reckless spending, hold the line on taxes and offer relief from the Democrats’ six years of governmental failure.

“This was a great event that gave people the opportunity to hear our message of change and give us feedback on our agenda,” Cavaletto said. “I’m looking forward to continuing the discussion on these issues throughout my district.”

The “Agenda for Action” outlines seven key legislative goals that Republicans will focus on and work to achieve results for Illinois families. The agenda includes the following goals:

• Creating Jobs While Repairing And Rebuilding Illinois
• Demanding Fiscal Responsibility And A True Balanced Budget
• Delivering Real Property Tax Relief
• Enacting The Nation’s Toughest Anti-Corruption Laws
• Providing Security And Safety For Victims Of Domestic Violence
• Creating Cyber-Safety Laws That Protect Children From Online Predators
• Aiding Families In Affording A College Education

Cavaletto’s town hall meeting was attended by more than 100 constituents from throughout the 107th District. After the panel introduced the agenda, they opened up the meeting to questions from the audience. Cavaletto and the legislators spent more than an hour answering questions and discussing the concerns of those at the event.