From the Illinois Policy Institute…
The “Me First” Rally
If you’ve been watching New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in action, you know he doesn’t mince words. In this MSNBC clip, you can watch him take on what he sees as a “me-first” mentality in his home state. New Jersey, like Illinois, is battling a massive state budget crisis—but unlike Illinois, it isn’t considering a massive tax hike. You can read the latest on that development below.
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Good News from Springfield…
This week, Governor Quinn signed a bill that will increase economic opportunity for Illinois hair braiders (you can read about the reform, sponsored by Rep. Will Burns, a Democrat from Chicago, here), and also spoke out on behalf of the Institute’s fiscal note reform proposal (which would stop politicians from approving bills without price tags). Kudos to the Governor for supporting these important reforms.
…And Some Not-So Good News
Will 2011 bring an unpleasant surprise for Illinois? “We’re going to pass a tax increase in January,” David Vaught, Governor Quinn’s budget director, told Bloomberg News yesterday. “We expect it is going to be substantial.” What does “substantial” mean? According to Vaught, it would be an income tax increase to 5 percent from 3 percent, “generating $6 billion of new revenue.” You can read the Institute’s take on the state’s disastrous pattern of backward budgeting here.
The State…Un-Fair?
Cotton candy, live music, slightly rickety carnival rides, the chance to milk a real live cow—who doesn’t love the state fair? Unfortunately, while fairs are beloved by many Illinoisans, they somehow manage to lose massive money year after year. Between fiscal years 2001 and 2009, the Illinois State Fair and the DuQuoin State Fair lost a combined total of more than $41.8 million. Guess who’s picking up the tab? You can learn more at our latest Spotlight on Spending here.
Most Valuable Illinoisan
Who was the most impactful Illinoisan of the 20th century? While some die-hards might vote for Dick Butkus of the Chicago Bears, our vote goes to Milton Friedman, whose birthday we’re celebrating this week. Collin Hitt explains why Dr. Friedman’s ideas have had such a lasting legacy—particularly in the educational realm—here.
A Trip In the Way-Back Machine
Want to watch a blast from the past? This 1979 clip shows Milton Friedman on the Phil Donahue Show, discussing free enterprise, human nature, and the best way to help all citizens in society. On Friday, we are holding a breakfast event honoring Dr. Friedman, and the Heartland Institute is hosting a luncheon. Join us for these exciting events!
Rules for Radicals: Join Us Tonight
Who was the Chicago mastermind behind much of today’s “community organizing”? Join just tonight in Chicago for an in-depth look at the influential work of Saul Alinksy. For more details or to RSVP, click here.