Times are getting tougher in Illinois' 16th Congressional District. The northern district, which includes Rockford, is represented in Congress by Don Manzullo. Caught up in the Republican desire to cut government programs for the sake of cutting government programs, Manzullo is telling anyone who comes to him looking for help to take a hike. 

During an appearance this morning on the Don Wade and Roma radio program, Manzullo said, "I'm telling constituents, 'Expect less out of the government. Don't ask for money when the programs have ended and there's no money there,'" Manzullo said. "We're just at a point now where people have to expect a lot less out of the government and I think people will be satisfied with that because that's the right thing to do." Listen to Manzullo's comments here. The congressman has also said he would support cutting every government program by 5 percent.

That's bad news for the 20 percent of children in the 16th District living in poverty. And for the 10 percent of his constituents living below the poverty line. And for 54,000 veterans who live in the district. And for the 42 bridges in Winnebago County, 24 bridges in Stephenson County, and 26 bridges in Jo Daviess County that are structurally deficient and largely will depend on federal funds for repair. And what about the $7.93 million worth of pork projects Manzullo secured in 2010, including $250,000 for a crimefighting technology initiative in Rockford, $500,000 for economic development in Rockford's West Side, and $750,000 to widen Rakow Road in McHenry County? Presumably, they should all just "expect a lot less" and be "satisfied."