Right on. Cost, regulations, urban sprawl and public attitude all contribute to the decline of our sport. Add government mis-management and anti-gun politics to the list.
Here in Illinois, which ranks right up there as one of the Bluest and financially mis-managed states, anyone who wants to possess a gun or purchase ammo is required to have a FOID card (Firearm Owner's ID). The State Police perform the background checks and administer the program. The law requires the State Police to issue the FOID card within 30 days. This was later lengthened to 60 days. In fact, if you are a new applicant you're very lucky if you can get your card in 60 days.
Last year the State Police reported they weren't collecting enough money to manage the FOID program. The democrat-controlled Illinois legislature responded by proposing an increase the initial application fee from $25 to $300-$400 per person! That triggered an uproar and led to an investigation into the funding of the FOID card program and how the money was being spent.
What we discovered was $29,500,000 had been swept from the various State Police funds that were supposed to be used to issue the FOID card and Illinois Conceal Carry licenses. Instead these funds were swept into the notorious “Black Hole” known as the General Fund. This has been going on for years.
As a result of the investigation we now know the need for more funding is completely unnecessary. There was adequate revenue for the program but it was swept away. The money which was FOID card fees and ICCL license fees (this was not tax money) came from the people it was meant to serve but instead, it was tossed down a rat hole. The Illinois State Rifle Assn and the Second Amendment Foundation and other plaintiffs are currently in court to rectify the situation. Just another example of what legal gun owners are up against.
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