From the Illinois Policy Institute…
For years, government unions have perpetuated the myth of the grossly underpaid civil servant. In our recent report, “Out of Sync,†we bust that myth wide open and got the word out to the media, the public and grassroots activists.
Out of Sync outlines a fact that many in Springfield don’t want you – the taxpayer – to know:
The average Illinois government employee takes home 23 percent more in compensation than the average private sector employee.
Who pays for these generous salaries and benefits?
You do.
While families across Illinois struggle to fill up their gas tanks and provide for their families, government unions keep asking for more and more. After receiving two pay raises in a seven-month period, government union workers have the nerve to insist they are being shortchanged by not receiving a third! Watch as state employees answer a simple question: who makes more?
The bottom line is: Government employees benefit from above average compensation while one out of 11 Illinoisans – you and your neighbors that pay for government – are out of work.
It isn’t fair, it isn’t right and it isn’t sustainable.
We need to get the word out about this social injustice if we’re going to get our state back on track. With your help, we’ve made significant progress in doing just that. Just yesterday the Bloomington Pantagraph editorialized on one of our key recommendations. Over the past two weeks, our report has garnered over 30 media hits, shedding light on this crucial issue.
Will you pitch in today to keep the effort going?
The Southern Illinoisan sums it up best in its editorial: “If the gap between public and private sector jobs keeps widening – if our lawmakers keep saying ‘yes’ to every plea – there will come a time when taxpayers start waving signs calling for fairness.â€
That time is now and together we’ve answered the call. Thank you for all that you do to help change hearts, minds and laws for a better Illinois. Whether it is waving a sign at a tea party rally or offering financial support or going to Springfield to visit with your legislator, you’ve made a real difference.
With your continued support, we will get Illinois back on the path to prosperity for all citizens.
Sincerely,
John Tillman
CEO, Illinois Policy Institute
P.S. In case you missed it, click here to see our Out of Sync video. Pitch in today to help us get the word out and change hearts, minds and laws for a better Illinois!