A new year is upon us but it is the same old tax-and-spend, borrow-and-spend policies being promulgated in Springfield. Proft and State Rep. Lou Lang join Eddie Arruza on WTTW’s Chicago Tonight to discuss the governor’s plan to borrow $15 billion.
Video: Dan Proft on WTTW Channel 11 on Illinois Budget Mess”
From the Illinois Policy Institute…
On Wednesday, December 29, John Tillman, CEO of the Illinois Policy Institute will appear on Fox 32 WFLD, Good Day Chicago at 7:25am to discuss problems with and alternatives to Quinn’s crazy borrowing plan. Please tune in. Important details below:
GOVERNOR QUINN’S CRAZY BORROWING PLAN MAKES STATE’S PROBLEMS WORSE:
Debt-driven plan is short sighted and will lead to worsening budget pressure in the coming years
CHICAGO – Governor Quinn’s borrowing plan will worsen the state’s fiscal health, not improve it, notes the nonpartisan Illinois Policy Institute. The independent think tank points out that while borrowing now might give the state some temporary breathing room, the funding of core government services will be threatened in the future as the cost of debt service mounts.
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Illinois Policy Institute: Statement on the Governor’s Borrowing Plan”
From the Illinois Policy Institute…
How many people do you know who are out of work or whose business is struggling to meet payroll during this holiday season? I know quite a few, and it is heartbreaking. The good news is that Illinois’s own President Obama and Senator Dick Durbin understand that raising taxes now would be a disaster. Check the links to watch these very brief videos that demonstrate all too rare wisdom coming from them.
Now, we just need a little wisdom in Springfield. Right now Gov. Quinn, Speaker Madigan, and Senate President Cullerton are negotiating behind closed doors to put coal in your stocking by raising your taxes by 67%—$6 billion! How crazy is this when even President Obama and Senator Durbin understand how devastating that will be to all our friends looking for work? Under the new federal law, which includes a payroll tax cut, a preschool teacher and a firefighter earning a combined $80,000 with two kids would save $800 in 2011 federal taxes. That’s money they can use to purchase a new water heater, buy winter jackets, or put toward college savings. But not anymore if Quinn, Madigan, and Cullerton take it away—they want not just that $800 but about twice that—$1600! So much for the water heater…I guess cold showers are the order of the day…unless you and I get busy to let them know we don’t need a tax hike to fix Illinois’s budget woes. You can go here to learn more about what you can do to help stop the tax hike: www.illinoispolicy.org/taxhike
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Illinois Policy Institute: Merry Christmas and a Year in Review”
From the Illinois Policy Institute…
Governor Pat Quinn and House Speaker Mike Madigan want to stick a lump of coal in your stocking this holiday season — in the form of a lame-duck tax hike. They’re spoiling to raise taxes before the new General Assembly is sworn into office in mid-January.
Despite receiving less than 50 percent of the popular vote, Governor Quinn believes he has a “mandate” to pad his public employee union friends’ pockets while sticking Illinois families with the bill.
We’ve been here before. Remember 2009, when everyone said a tax hike was “inevitable”? Well, we stopped it then and, with your help, we can stop it again.
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Ill. Policy Institute: Tax Hikes for Christmas”
From the Illinois Policy Institute…
Capitol Day: Join Us January 5!
A number of highly important issues including the proposal to hike income taxes, a landmark voucher bill, and pension reform are anticipated to be voted on early in the new legislative session. That’s why the Illinois Policy Institute is going down to Springfield on January 5 with our Liberty Leaders. We’re chartering a bus from the Chicagoland area. Join us on Capitol Day!
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Ill. Policy Institute: Capitol Day, Fight Quinn’s Tax Hike, Education Reform”
From the Illinois Policy Institute…
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has seen a “strong desire and need for real transformation in the County.” A good place to start this much-needed transformation process would be at the county’s Adult Probation Department, which receives more than $43 million per year to keep the public safe by monitoring dangerous criminals sentenced to probation rather than prison.
Preckwinkle will soon discover these taxpayer dollars are being poorly spent and the department is not keeping people safe–a key tenant of Preckwinkle’s “Compact for Change.”
My latest special report reveals how the Cook County Adult Probation Department, according to its own chief probation officer, “dropped the ball,” by allowing a convicted sexual predator to go unmonitored, which resulted in his arrest for molesting a 13-year-old girl. The special report also documents how a lack of leadership, transparency, and accountability have crippled the department, while senior staff worked off-duty jobs, including providing a personal security detail for Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr.
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Illinois Policy Institute Breaking Report: A Public Menace in Cook County”
From the Illinois Policy Institute…
Climate Fiesta in Cancun!
The UN Climate Change Conference is underway in Cancun and Americans for Prosperity cut this video of climate change activists (you know, the ones who want to ration travel, energy, food, and the like) whooping it up at a beach party. Apparently, rationing is for the rest of us.
Spotlight on Spending: Foster Grandparents
Encouraging volunteerism among Illinois’s senior citizens is a worthy goal, with many benefits for both individual volunteers and those they serve, but is the Illinois state government doing a good job at accomplishing these goals—or should be looking for ways to increase senior involvement beyond government programs? Our latest Spotlight on Spending asks these questions.
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Ill. Policy Institute: Cancun Fiesta!”
From the Illinois Policy Institute…
Illinois is in rough shape. Out of all of the states, Illinois is:
With those poor results it’s curious to note that our state has the:
Our 17th report in the “Spotlight on Spending” series highlights the alarming disparity between nationwide averages and the salaries and pay levels for our statewide elected officials.
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Pay Disparity in Illinois”
From the Illinois Policy Institute…
You may have joined us earlier this month for our Election Night Party when we watched and celebrated as free market proponents took control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Now, what’s in store for Illinois in 2011? I hope you’ll join us on Wednesday, December 8, for our annual holiday party to find out. Come kick off the holiday season and hear from Congressman Peter Roskam, who will share insight on how developments in Washington will affect you next year.
You can RSVP here. The holiday party sold out last year, so reserve your spot now—I hope to see you there! In the meantime, Happy Thanksgiving!
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Illinois Policy Institute Update”
From the Illinois Policy Institute…
Earlier this year, the House and Senate passed HB 5154, a union-backed bill which would permanently take government employee performance evaluations out of the public sphere. Read more about why this matters to watchdogs like you.
Governor Pat Quinn issued an “amendatory veto” that rightly narrowed the scope of the bill (only police performance records would be off limits). However, today the House voted to override his veto.
Our very own Director of Government Reform Kate Piercy notes, “If the Senate agrees, performance reviews will be sealed forever. Goodbye transparency.”
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Unions Attempting to Take Away Public’s Right to Know in Illinois”
-By Dan Proft, for the Illinois Policy Institute
Amid the contentious debate as to how we improve public education in America, there is one reality to which all parties subscribe: there is no substitute for a quality teacher in the classroom.
The scholarship on teacher quality is clear. It is the most important school-related factor in student achievement. Some studies suggest the difference between having a good teacher and having a bad one can exceed one grade-level equivalent in annual achievement growth.
Geoffrey Canada, founder of the Harlem Success Academy charter school in New York City, has said a great teacher is like a great artist and should be recognized as such.
So why are the teachers’ unions fighting that recognition?
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Unions’ Preferred Rating for Teachers: NR”
The Illinois Policy Institute is sponsoring a bus tour (The Illinois Turnaround Tour) of the state to get voters excited about the fast approaching elections. This week they have stops in nearby DuPage and McHenry Counties.
Real change starts here…and real change starts with you.
Think the national government is a mess? Take a closer look at Illinois.
For years, Illinois politicians have driven our state in the wrong direction—a direction that’s leading us to financial ruin. That’s why we’re launching the Illinois Turnaround Campaign, focused on practical, common-sense solutions to our state’s problems:
October 11,12: Illinois Turnaround Tour DuPage County & McHenry County”
The Unbearable Heaviness of Britain
Health officials in the UK are growing aghast at their country’s collective chubbiness. So what’s the proposed government solution? Paying pounds…for citizens to lose pounds. View the BBC report below.
The Mob Files
How did a former mob bookie wind up getting a top job with the state after his name got dragged through a prominent “Family Secrets” trial? You can watch John Tillman discuss the state’s mob debacle on Fox News here.
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Illinois Policy Institute: The Mob Files”
from the Illinois Policy Institute…
Earlier this year, the Illinois Policy Institute released our inaugural Legislators’ Guide to the Issues.
As we update the guide for 2011, we want to incorporate the voices of citizens all across the state of Illinois on how policy has changed their lives for better or worse. Over the next month, we will be soliciting your views on 3 featured topics each week. Here are the first 3 topics.
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Ill. Policy Institute: How Has Government Policy Affected You?”
The Greatest Show on Earth
Watching explosions from the latest Transformers movie on Michigan Avenue and catching glimpses of movie stars like Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie may provide an exciting novelty for Illinois residents. But is it worth the price? Our latest Spotlight on Spending highlights the glitz, glamour, and surprising cost of the Illinois film tax credit.
Watch Out for Scabs…
What happens when a union protesting a Wal-Mart (for, among other things, paying minimum wage) hires a bunch of non-union picketers and pays them…that’s right…minimum wage? The Daily Show offers an amusing takedown of union hypocrisy below.
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Illinois Policy Institute Update”
From the Illinois Policy Institute…
Real change starts here…and real change starts with you.
Think the national government is a mess? Take a closer look at Illinois.
For years, Illinois politicians have driven our state in the wrong direction—a direction that’s leading us to financial ruin.
That’s why we’re launching the Illinois Turnaround Campaign, focused on practical, common-sense solutions to our state’s problems.
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September 28: Illinois Turnaround Tour Lake/Cook County (Northbrook)”
From the Illinois Policy Institute…
Republicans at War?
There’s no shortage of opinions regarding Tuesday’s Delaware primary results, which sent Tea Party favorite Christine O’Donnell into the running for Joe Biden’s U.S. Senate seat. Is the GOP “at war,” or is something else in play? What does O’Donnell’s victory mean for both parties across the country? Check out a roundup of TV news—and late night talkers.
What Karl Rove Should Have Said
When political strategist Karl Rove famously weighed in on O’Donnell’s victory in Delaware, he didn’t try to hide his disapproval of the political upstart. Raising several questions about her past, he also expressed doubts in her political abilities: “I’ve got to tell you, I wasn’t frankly impressed as her abilities as a candidate.” What should Rove have said instead? Click here to read more.
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Ill. Policy Institute: Republicans at War?”
From the Illinois Policy Institute…
“Spend More…Tax Less”
That’s the prescription from departing White House economist Christina Romer, who makes a call for more stimulus projects in her farewell speech. We shouldn’t worry about massive deficits, she argued—despite unprecedented outlays of funds, she explained, “most actions should be paid for over time.” Comforting, right? You can watch a portion of her remarks by clicking here.
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Illinois Policy Institute: Say It Ain’t So!”
From the Illinois Policy Institute…
Blago’s Last Frontier?
Just when you thought Rod Blagojevich had hit every media format on earth—the Today Show, Jon Stewart, Esquire magazine, and the national Sunday talk shows—he shows up in international animated specials. This short but dramatic take on the Blago saga is definitely worth a watch—although we don’t think they really quite captured the essence of his hair.
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Ill. Policy Incident: Life Gets Cartoony”
“Wedding of the Decade of the Century of the Millennium”
Well, it’s official—the dog days of summer are here. August, long known as a “slow news month” in the media business, often features some of the goofiest television news of the year. Exhibit A: the oft-breathless yet incredibly nonspecific national coverage of Chelsea Clinton’s recent wedding. You can watch Jon Stewart skewer the national media’s latest late-summer masterpieces.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Wedding of the Decade of the Century of the Millennium | ||||
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Will a Hospital Be There When You Need It?
How many hospitals does the Land of Lincoln need, and who gets to decide? In Illinois, the process is far more complicated than you might think—and, unfortunately, it also restricts access to health care across the state. Read more here.
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Ill. Policy Institute: Hospital Rationing?”
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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The $41.8 Million Cow-Milking Machine”
Say What?
The government’s recent bailouts of major auto companies (including GM and Chrysler) were controversial, to say the least. But to some DC politicians, they’re also apparently confusing. Watch Harry Reid’s claim that the bailouts “probably saved Ford”—which didn’t take any bailouts—by clicking here.
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Illinois Policy Institute: Paris Hilton Can Do It, But…”
From Kristina Rasmussen of the Illinois Policy Institute…
Talk of a soda tax is bubbling up again:
CHICAGO (CBS) ― Feel like you’re taxed enough already? More could be coming. There’s an early push to explore taxing soft drinks that are sweetened with sugars – all to get you to stop buying them. CBS 2’s Kristyn Hartman reports it’s all about obesity.
A coalition of groups is in the very early stages of mapping out a plan to fight fat in Illinois. Sugared beverage consumption has tracked with rising obesity rates – so it’s getting some attention.
Ill. Policy Institute: Soda Tax Talk Bubbling Up Again”
From the Illinois Policy Institute…
Ooh, That’s Awkward
America is a great country, full of wonderful people…but we should probably beef up on history classes. Last weekend, Jay Leno took a quick walk to find out how much his fellow Americans really know about Independence Day. The results?
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Ill. Policy Institute: With Friends Like These…”
From the Illinois Policy Institute
Santelli Rant, Part Deux
“Stop spending! Stop spending! Stop spending!” Earlier this week, CNBC reporter Rick Santelli (of “Tea Party” fame) offered some sound advice to the government—and some entertaining television.
Speaking of Spending…
Yesterday, Governor Pat Quinn addressed the state on a painful topic: Illinois’s disastrous budget. (We forgive you if your eyes just glazed over.) The bad news: The state budget is, yes, still a disaster. The good news: The Institute went through the governor’s speech, highlighting what you really need to know. Check out Kristina Rasmussen’s budget cheat sheet, along with our proactive budget solutions, here.
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Ill. Policy Institute: Addicted”
It Never Ceases to Amaze…
In a week when we’ve uncovered the state of Illinois funding $300k worth of debate reenactments, $100k to celebrate “Canadian 4th of July,” and $55k to help fund a movie about Daniel Burnham, this one takes the cake: the federal government spent $2.6 million to teach Chinese prostitutes how to drink in moderation while on the job. Learn more by watching the video.
Ill. Policy Institute: The Prostitute Bailout”
“So I Know Whose Ass to Kick”
Late-night comedians have had a heyday with President Obama’s recent comments on the BP oil spill. “I don’t sit around talking to experts because this is a college seminar,” Obama told Matt Lauer. “We talk to these folks because they potentially have the best answers, so I know whose ass to kick.” You can see Jon Stewart’s reaction on “The Daily Show” by clicking on the video above.
Amish Cheese, Lois Lane Statues, and Illinois Wine…
What do these three things have in common? They’re all examples of your tax dollars at work. Illinois spends around $50 million a year on “tourism”—but isn’t there a better way than taxing hotels and subsidizing cheese? Learn more at our latest “Spotlight on Spending” installment Continue reading “
Ill. Policy Institute: ‘Ass to Kick’”
“Unlike the United States, New Jersey Can’t Print Money”
With Illinois legislators continuing with “business as usual”—see below for our update on the latest Springfield budget snafu—Governor Chris Christie has been shaking things up in New Jersey. After a series of budget cuts, Christie is now proposing a property tax cap and a state spending limit. He’s also having some colorful interchanges with his constituents, which you can watch by clicking the video above.
It Would Be Laughable…
…If it weren’t so sad. This week’s brilliant budget solution from legislators in Springfield? You got it—borrow, to the tune of almost four billion dollars, while refusing to touch the root causes of our state’s budget crisis. Meanwhile, multiple austerity measures aimed at legislators themselves were shelved. You can watch the Institute’s take on the borrowing package in this Fox television clip here, read our statement on the budget here, and check out a roundup from the State Journal Register here.
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Ill. Policy Institute: Laughable”
Happy Graduation…You’re Doomed!
As if graduating in the midst of global economic turmoil wasn’t bad enough, the University of Tennessee decided to invite Al Gore to inflict even more pain on its new graduates. You can watch what has been aptly christened “The World’s Most Depressing Graduation Speech” here.
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Ill. Policy Institute: LeBron’s Choice”
From the Illinois Policy Institute…
Hooray for Dysfunctional Health Care!
Meet Donald Berwick, President Obama’s nominee to run the nation’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Donald, it turns out, is a huge fan of the legendarily dysfunctional government-run British health care system. You can click the video above to find out why—and what he ultimately wants to bring to American shores.
In Case You Missed It
“I need money to move.” Years ago, our CEO John Tillman heard those words many times—and they taught him about the importance of school choice. You can read his piece on a potentially life-changing education reform in today’s Chicago Tribune. The Institute was also featured in Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal, which offered an update on the Illinois voucher bill. You can get an update.
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Ill. Policy Institute: ‘I need money to move’”