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PMiE H - PLAIN DEALER - WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBERS. 1182 / PLAINDEALEm Editorial Opinion Roll Call Report (Your Congressmen's Vote) From Washington » , v 1 1 1 -- Network Power The three commercial television networks are, as one author of a book on the subject referred to them, "Gods of the Antenna". That was demonstrated again recently when ABC-TV decided it wouldn't allow the president to make an economic report to the people on its stations. Republicans had attempted to buy prime time, but were refused. The president believed he should report on tne economy and that this was in the national interest. The networks, if they didn't agree, could give Democrats equal time, and often do this. This is not new. President Carter was also denied TV time on several occasions. The point of this isn't a defense of President Reagan or his ideas. The point is that the American people should not be dependent on three groups of media types in New York to decide whether the elected president will report to the American people on prime time TV. Every U.S. president should be given the authority, by law if necessary; to report periodically to the voters, when he deems this in the public interest or declares a national emergency. The president's utilization of the commercial networks should also be limited, to prevent abuse and partisan exploitation. It the networks deem it proper to provide the opposition party"time to reply, lat's their privilege- and a public service. Since the commercial networks are wallowing in profit, and their power in influence public opinion is almost unlimited, this guarantee to chief executives in the White House would be both a safeguard and a democratic improvement in communication between the federal government and the electorate. Innovations In Air Next month several airlines will begin offering passengers -on long flights at first-telephone service while airborne. The experimental effort, by AirFone, was recently given the green light by the FCC. AirFone is setting up 37 ground receiving station and will charge $7.90 for the first three minutes-a lower rate than earlier experiments in this area produced. Airlines will carry four telephones, two of which can be in use at the same time. Eleven airlines have agreed to take part in the trial run-and they'll receive about 15 percent of the telephone charges. Airborne phones will not receive calls. Passengers can only call out from the airliner. Thus air travel, which until now has been limited during in-flight to naps, good food, films, etc., will move into the business world-for better or worse. This, with the innovation of free flights for two with the purchase of a new car, is among, the latest innovations, in today's air travel. Energy Resource Evaluation Washington - When members of Congress went into recess nearly a month ago, they left behind a trail <jf yeas and nays that immediately caught the attention of Washington's network of interest groups. Report card time had arrived, and the special pleaders trained their partisan microscopes on congressional voting records covering 1962. Each group checked die roll call on a dozen or so key issues, figured "good guy" and "bad guy" percentages to determine how friendly or hostile individual lawmakers had been to its policy goals, then issued a press release trumpeting the findings. Hie annual ritual known as "the ratings game" was being played in earnest. For many incumbents, at stake were endorsements, campaign contributions and assorted other tactics used by the special interests to influence this week's congressional elections. The results of several of those surveys are now in, and they are presented in the accompanying chart, even though it is too late to benefit constituents. Ratings by interest groups are oversimplified, but usually they are at least as profound as a lawmaker's own interpretation in the heat of the campaign of his or her overall voting performance. By enabling voters to judge their L keep, the ratings convey guut, or glory, by association. But die ratings game has its drawbacks. The percentages are based on only a small portion of the hundreds of roll call votes a lawmaker casts annually. And, as the House GOP Research committee has warned, they tell nothing about non­ voting conduct such as "a member's responsiveness to his constituents, integrity in his political work, or ability in the legislative forum - qualities all «--uilisl to a good congressman." Seven seprial pleaders so far have publicized their scores of 1982. To give the chart ideological balance - four left-of-center and four conservative raters - the 1961 rating by the liberal Americans for Democratic Action also has been included (ADA has not yet completed its 1962 rating). Here are capsule descriptions of the eight organizations: Left AFLrCIO - Through its Committee on Political Education COPE), the most powerful labor lobby. Rating covers only 1962. National Farmers Uaioa (NFU) - Speaks for small farmers, usually in i to the American Farm Bureau. Rating covers only 1962. ertcaas lor Democratic Action (ADA) - The most prestigious liberal voice oa a broad range of domestic and foreign issues. Rating covers only 1961. Common Cause - The "citizens' lobby" is especially outspoken on institutional issues such as reforming campaign financing. Rating covers 1961- 62. Right National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) - Promotes the private sector with an emphasis on helping smaller businesses. Rating covers 1961-82. American Farm Bureaa - An advocate for agribusiness and other American Secarity CouncU '̂one of the most ha^Sh'̂ ^ponents of increased spending to buiki up the defense establishment Rating covers only 1962. o : WatcMofs of the Treasury - A conservative, pro-business lobby known primarily For the "Golden Bulldog" it presents to members "who vote for economy in government" Rating covers 1961-82. By U.S. Rep. Lynn Martin Lowering interest rates, thus boosting the economy, is the only real answer to providing jobs. Stable long- term jobs will only come as a result of an aggressive economy. There is, however, an immediate need for jobs and paychecks for those areas of this nation that are being hit the hardest by the recession. I attempted to provide part of the answer by offering a jobs bill in Congress. This Mil is intended to help the truly unemployed while not dip­ ping into the budget and increasing the deficit. The idea is fairly simple. To fund the jobs program, $1.5 billion would have been taken from the $14 billion in unspent funds in the Synfuels program. The Synfuels program was set up in 1960 during the peak of the energy crisis and was intended to promote alternative energy sources. The $14 billion left in the program is a result of changes in the world energy situation and much of this money will go unspent. No new money would be used for this jobs program. This money would then be allocated only to areas of severely high unemployment for public service jtms. Jobs like road, street, and bridge repair, con­ servation efforts, and flood control assistance, To be eligible for these jobs, a person must have been unemployed for at least six months or have exhausted all unemployment benefits. In this way we can use available money for those who have been hardest hit by the recession. In ad­ dition the funds would be targeted. Only areas in which the local unemployment rate has exceeded the national imMnnlmmMt Wol fnr th*> previous three months can qualify for funds. This bill would create over 400,0 jobs. Tt&jobs would be allocated the following manner: 50 percent the jobs would go to persons receivl unemployment benefits, 25 percent the jobs would go to persons receiving AFDC benefits, 25 percent would be offered to those who are unemployed who are not receiving unemployment benefits but cannot qualify for AFDC. In this manner those who live in areas that are experiencing long-term unemployment will be the first to be offered jobs. Also, the actual cost of the program will be much less than the $1.5 billiop because 75 percent of those getting jobs would have beef receiving benefits from the federal government already. "Workfare" is really a better when talking about this jobs Although most workers would be _ the minimum wage, those current! receiving unemployment benefits o. AFDC benefits will be paid at the rate of their current benefit level if that is higher than the minimum wage. This provision makes sure it would not be more advantageous to remain on benefits. This Mil is not a panacea and cer­ tainly not the answer for long-term employment. But it is an attempt to address the personal devastation and economic despair that pervade areas of high unemployment. I am sad to tell you that my jobs bill did not pass when it was brought up recently in Congress. In its place a Democratic backed proposal was endorsed. This proposal came no where near addressing the problems of areas in the country that really need the most help. Unfortunately Congress can get very parochial, f*TW*i*»Hy jn an etarNrm year, A comprehensive evaluation of the renewable energy resources of Illinois and the technologies needed to utilize them has been published, Governor James R. Thompson has announced. The study of unconventional energy resources which is presented in Illinois Renewable Resource Sum­ mary and Technology Assessment was prepared by the Illinois Depart­ ment of Energy and. Natural Resources as part of a larger effort to develop an energy plan for the State of Illinois. That plan is intended to help Illinois meet its present and future energy needs at affordable prices. "Given the uncertainties in - both price and supply of conventional fuels, Illinois must develop its renewable energy resources both for a secure energy future and for its own economic werl-being," Thompson said. 'Sterile owners, businesses, far­ mers and other energy consumers need to know what to expect in terms of supply and costs of renewable forms of energy so they can make intelligent decisions for the future," he said. > - "We need to know how much energy we can get from the sun or from agricultural crops and how much it will cost to build dams for hydropower." The ENR study examines each resource-solar, wind, biomass and hydropower-in terms of potential supply, noting the physical con­ straints. For example, the amount of solar energy that is available depends on such factors as the hours of daylight in the heating season, the angle at which the sun's rays strike the earth and the amount of sunlight filtered out by cloudiness or pollution. The focus then shifts to applications for each type of energy. Again in the case of solar energy, the study evaluates the potential for using solar Food Stamp Program Down Participation in the U.S. Depart­ ment of Agriculture's food stamp program in July was 20.2 million, seasonally down 100,000 from June and 200,000 from a year earlier. Food stamps issued during July totaled $780.8 million, down $6.2 million from June and $54.1 million from July 1981, according to the preliminary estimates of federal-state assistance programs for July. The WIC program, a supplementary food program for women, infants and childrne, reached a new peak level of participation in July, servicing 2.35 million participants. July par­ ticipation was 360,000 above June and 390,000 above the level in July 1981. Program participation has increased steadily for the past 12 months. radiation to heat and cool living spaces, to heat water, to generate electricity, to dry agricultural crops or create heat for industrial purposes, for example. The results of ENR's work on the State Energy plan are being published in a series of six volumes of which the study of renewable energy resources is the fifth. Other volumes include: An Over­ view of Trends in the Illinois Electric Utility Industry; The Residential Sector: The Demand for Energy Services; An Inventory of die Coal Resources of Illinois; Residential and Industrial Energy Conservation Potential in Illinois: 1960-2000 and a volume to be publiahed later presenting conclusions and recom­ mendations. \t .S' ' ' t: How some of Washington's special interests rated the voting of state congressmen during the 97th Congress. Rep. Philip Crane, R-12 Rep. Robert McClory, R-13 Rep. Lynn Martin, R-16 Sen. Alan Dixon, D Sen. Charles Percy, R S it 7 16 26 77 53 £ 20 0 30 t82 0 I 10 30 30 65 35 3 c o £ 50 57 85 81 80 CQ 77 82 77 76 62 CQ c I 53 50 53 33 Order Second Printing Of State Software Directory Peter B. Fox, director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA) has announced that the outstanding response the department received on its newly-published Illinois Software directory has made necessary a second printing of 700 additional copies. The 134-page book is a com­ pilation of Illinois producers and distributors of software packages. "The directory has met our ex­ pectations, proving very popular with Illinois businesses," Fox said. "It's a handy reference guide and, as Illinois' high tech industries increase, it will become even more valuable. In the years to come we are sure it will be a standard resource for most Illinois companies." The directory alphabetically lists over 300 Illinois high tech companies including a name, address, telephone number and contact person for each. It also lists what type of equipment each firm's software is designed to be used with and shows in what language the packages are written. The State Of) Replacement Tax When Illinois abolished the Per­ sonal Property tax in 1979, local governments feared sharp revenue losses, but the Replacement tax on corporations, partnerships and utilities has actually increased payments to local governments, Comptroller Roland W. Burns has reported. Burris said that replacement tax grants (payments) to local govern­ ments were $552.9 million in calendar 1960 and $531.6 million in calendar 1981, far in excess of that generated under the old Personal Property tax. The comptroller's regular monthly fiscal report looks at the performance of the new Corporate Replacement tax which has been in effect since July, 1979, in Illinois. In another part of the report, the Illinois economic picture focuses on the farm equip­ ment, construction machinery and metal-working industries and how severely they have been battered by the recession. The regular report on the state's fiscal health shows that two months into the new fiscal year the state's revenues are running $82 million less than expenditures though revenues from both state and federal sources are up for the period. Here are key findings of the special report on the still new Corporate Replacement tax: - There is considerable evidence that actual tax collections fell far short of the taxes billed under the old Personal Property tax before it was abolished in July, 1979. In FY 1972, for example, actual collections were only 65.5 percent of the total amount billed statewide. In FY 1978, the last year of the personal property levy, collections had skidded to 56.5 percent of the amount billed statewide, a poor performance at best. - How is the new Replacement tax doing? In calendar i960 (the firjfrt full year of the new levy), replacement tax grant8 (payments) to local governments were $552.9 million and in calendar 1961 they were $531.6 million. By comparison, total statewide collections of the old per­ form ula itself is based upon tax collections between 1976 and 1978, when some communities had smaller populations and less industry. sonal property tax neve- reached the million the $400 million mark between level and only twice $500 topped tt* calendar 1972 and 1978. - Not only have local governments gained additional revenues from the new replacement tax, but the major portion of the administrative costs (including collection and en­ forcement) has now been assumed by the state.v - The new replacement tax will probably remain controversial. The businesses which pay the tax want it trimmed somewhat, while local governments want it continued at present levels to bolster their revenues. And, as the size of com­ munities change, growing com­ munities will want the formula revised in their favor because the COLLEGE HOTLINE The Illinois Association of College Admissions Counselors (IACAC) will have a toll-free Hot Line telephone number available to all persons from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6 and Sunday, Nov. 7. Persons in Illinois with questions about college and career planning may phone toll-free to 800-942-7404 with their questions about college selection, admissions, testing and financial aid. HOKRMOTII When removing worn radiator and heater hos­ es, avoid yanking and twisting the hoses. Radi­ ator fittings are soldered and can be broken off with rough treatment. Sbce the hose with a knife then work the knife bet­ ween hose and fitting to ^ peel the hose off. A •••• It would be nice if every citizen would do as Boy Scouts try to do-help someone, or do someone a favor, every day. Do you? For Your Information Doerfrionds, - ' Independence Day • smell notions thruout the. world ore struggling to be free of military dictator­ ships - to be free to elect their own loaders and free to order their lives as they choose. With our heritage of democracy and freedom we should assist the** burdened peoples to succeed to the political and economic freedom that we in the United States enjoy. Sincerely, PETER MJISTEN & SON FUNEPAL HOME ARE YOU NEW IN The McHenry Area? Do You Know Someone New? We Would Like To Extend A Royal Welcome To Every Newcomer To Our Area I! I CALL LORRAINE MON AH AN 385-5475 t urn mituu °BLIG No A t 'OM urn mum mmnm m ROYAL WELCOME Know Your Aroa-Royal Wolcomo Does It Best * 9 Sert»ce p,ofess*° pirect0^ JACK WALSH, AGENT EARL R. WALSH, BROKER INSURANCE I BOWS Fire, Auto, Farm, life RELIABLE COMP ANKS WIS W. dm St.. McHenry DENNIS CONWAY AUTO, UH. PMC Stite Fan In Co. SSIfW. Elm Street McHenry, M. SSS-7III JAMES M. MclNTEE, LAWYER AVAILABLE TO PMCTKI IN: FwiomI Infufy/Trtds WilWProheta Divorce-Reel ittoto • M« el --, m* * je, Uinin ftl (Ml •WeB'i WdHWy, H. For appointment phone: IN SMS jkMN ̂ Form Equipment George P. Freund, Inc. Hoi 4103 W. Crystal Lake Rd. Bus. 385-0420 Res. 385-0227 MCHENRY COUNTY OFFICE MACHINES SAUS. soma I RSNTALS Mon.-tot. FrMoyMViSS tJ Greet St., Crystal Lake Hiene: 459-122* BR. LEONARD BOTTAM t: ftl-., , , KIM^J "•O*eeo riTlwo Men.,Toe*., Tfcvr*., Prl. 4 Ipm Tea*., Than., Prt. 7-f pm Sat. •iSO-Spm Phone: 3SS-41SI or 3SS-2242 McHENRY DENTAL CBHER DR. CJ. LUDF0RD D1 KEVIN WEGRZYN OPEN 3 EVENINGS A WEEK UNTIL 3:30 P.M. T SAT. 315-1360 NEW PATIENTS WELCOME WE CATER TO COWARDS l l R E L U RADIAL TIRES FOR ALL CARS Europa Motors, Inc. 2318 Rt». 120 815-385-0700 SERVICE LINE v McHENRY CHAMSEROF COMMERCE 3*5-4300 FAMILY SERVICE t MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC 3409 W. Waukegan Rood McHenry 335-6400 TURNING POINT-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE STRESS LINE McHenry County 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Parents Anonymous meetings on Tuesday. Call •15-344-3944 STATE CHAMBER GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS HOTLINE 217-522-5514 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 202-755-3660 Hours: 7:30 a.m. to S:30 p.m. week days (Ever hod a problem Involving the federal government and not known where to callT And than been given the runaround or referrals by persons who meant well but didn't know how to helpf Ten specialists available at this center.) NATIONAL RUN-AWAY SWITCHBOARD Illinois Phone: 300-972-6004 (for confidential conversations on problems dealing with run-away children.) MOVING HOTLINE Phone t00-424-9213 (Complaints about interstate moving by companies, buses or trains. Sponsored by Interstate Commerce commission.) CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION Phone •00-433-2646 (For Questions or Complaints on products ranging from toys to ovens.) NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION Phone 300-424-9393 (Answers questions about automobile safety defects or whether e particular model hos ever been recalled. Valuable for those interested in buying a used car.) ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES 24-Hours Child Abuse Hotline TOLL FREE: 300-252-2378 CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 300-633-2444 (Operates five national lines. Answers inquires about o ̂ reporting on tho safety of products from kitchon appliances to children's toys.) NATIONAL SOLAR HEATING AND COOLING INFORMATION CENTER •00-523-2929 P.O. Box 1407, Rock villa, Md. 20350 (Dispenses information on solar systems for heating and cooling to anyone from architects to homo owners looking for a sun-powered hot-water system.) CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION 312-793-3530 Chicago, III. BIRTHRIGHT PrognantT Need HelpT Counseling Service. 335-2999. 24 hours Answering Service. YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU FOR MCHENRY COUNTY 4719 W. Elm St., McHenry Phone: 344-3240 24 hours Crisis Intervention and Confidential Coun­ seling for youth and families. ILLINOIS STATE CHAMBER HOTLINE Phono: 217-522-5514 Answor to questions on gover- ment regulations. MENTAL HEALTH 1-300-392-3900 Crisis Cantor Line for McHenry Co. 24-Hour Emergency number and professional staff wll answer your call. Sponsoring agency McHenry County Comprehensive Mantel Health Service System. NATIONAL NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH ASSOCIATION Post Off lea Box 17400 Washington, D.C., 20041 Phono (703)471-0404 McHENRY COUNTY CETA OUTREACH CENTER 666 Russel Ct. Woodstock, II. 60093 (315)333-7100 JOB TRAINING OFFERED McHENRY COUNTY ASSOCATION FOR THE RETARDED . Robert G. Lambourn, Executive Director Phone:344-1230 . ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS (315 ̂455-3311