To mark the beginning of the 96th General Assembly, State Representative Raymond Poe (R-Springfield) took the oath of office in an inauguration ceremony held at the University of Illinois at Springfield today. Poe, set to begin serving his eighth term in the Illinois House of Representatives, is energized by what he sees as an opportunity in the 96th G.A. to address many of the issues that have been on hold under the current administration.

“It is a privilege and an honor to once again be serving the people of the 99th District,” said Poe. “I am optimistic that the 96th General Assembly will bring opportunities to tackle some of the big issues in my district, as well as in the state of Illinois. Our first order of business, however, will be to vote again on the Articles of Impeachment to ensure there is no question regarding the vote taken under the 95th General Assembly.”

Poe looks for the 96th General Assembly to address many of the issues that have been subject to political gridlock under the Blagojevich administration. Poe cites the budget imbalance, the backlog of unpaid medical bills to our service providers, increasing pension debt and school funding as issues that must be dealt with promptly. Poe is also calling for renewed efforts to address a capital program that would help stimulate job growth in Illinois and address our state’ infrastructure needs.

“In the Springfield area alone, we have great need for a capital plan,” said Poe. “Many of our roads, bridges and schools desperately need help, not to mention the Illinois State Fairgrounds. A capital plan would also allow us to move forward with expanding the medical district.”

Poe vows to continue his efforts to keep IDOT’s Division of Traffic Safety in Springfield, as well as continue the push to reopen the Dana-Thomas House under the 96th G.A.. According to Poe, efforts have already been made to reach out to Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn on these important issues.