From Americans for Prosperity, Illinois…
Governor’s Budget Address Reveals More “Buy Now, Pay Later” Rhetoric That Will Bankrupt Illinois Taxpayers
-AFP calls for meaningful and aggressive reforms to state budgetary process-
CHICAGO- In the Governor’s budget address today, Quinn identified the immediate need for reducing the state’s $8.75 billion deficit, but was unwilling to make the necessary budget cuts to get the job done.
“The time for talk is over. The people of Illinois need results. If the Governor is really serious about getting Illinois out of debt and back on the road to recovery, he will make tough decisions to cut spending now,” said AFP-Illinois State Director Joe Calomino. “We have yet to see a list of wasteful programs and projects to cut. This governor has set up commissions in the past but was not up to the challenge when it came to legislate the commission’s findings. ”
“At the end of his speech, the governor took lead from President Obama and talked of investments, but mentioned no price tag. “If the state has a 2% spending cap, than what money are we going to invest with? We need real reforms and cuts first before we authorize borrowing.”
Americans for Prosperity Illinois suggests some commonsense alternatives to the Governor’s plan to borrow against the future to avoid making tough decisions now:
Immediately form a truly bi-partisan commission to identify at least $3 billion in budget cuts. Illinois is in full-blown crises mode – it is time for policymakers to realize all options should be on the table.
Enact meaningful and aggressive reforms to the budgetary process. The state’s budgetary process should be open and transparent so that the public and policymakers have access to detailed information on the state’s financial condition at all times. There is no excuse for lawmakers to feign surprise when they see the state’s books are dripping in red ink.
Finish the job on pension reform. One of the state’s biggest entitlements is still in need of reform. Eventually, the state will have to move its workers to a defined contribution plan to address the unfunded liability weighing down the state’s future.
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. AFP educates and engages citizens to support restraining state and federal government growth and returning government to its constitutional limits. AFP is more than 1.6 million activists strong, with activists in all 50 states. AFP has 32 state chapters and affiliates. More than 70,000 Americans in all 50 states have made a financial contribution to AFP or AFP Foundation. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org.