State Policy Groups

Budget - Chicago - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Government - Illinois - Liberals - Taxes - Truth in Accounting - Warner Todd Huston

Truth in Accounting Summer Quarterly Round-up e-Newsletter‏

August 22, 2011 by

From the Institute for Truth in Accounting…

Truth in Accounting Identifies Five Sinkhole States

The lack of truth and transparency in state budgets have concealed $1 trillion of outstanding bills.

The Institute’s ‘Financial State of the States’ study reviewed each state’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report to determine the state’s true financial condition. This study included a detailed analysis of pension and retirees’ health care plans. The Institute took painstaking steps to determine the states’ share of each plans’ unfunded liability. By analyzing the assets each state has available and all of its bills, the Institute was able to determine a ‘Taxpayer’s Burden’ for all fifty states. Click here to download the full report.

The Institute’s extensive research found most states are sinking in debt, despite the existence of a balanced budget requirement in all but one state. The Institute identified the top five ‘Sinkhole’ states each with a per taxpayer burden of more than $23,000. These are Connecticut, New Jersey, Illinois, Hawaii and Kentucky. Wyoming, North Dakota, Nebraska, Utah and South Dakota are considered ‘Sunshine’ states, because a per taxpayer’s surplus or minimal per taxpayer’s burden exists in these states.
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Truth in Accounting Summer Quarterly Round-up e-Newsletter‏”

Budget - Business - Capitalism - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - Government, Ill. County - Illinois - Illinois Policy Institute - Illinois State Government - Jobs - Liberals - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Ill. Policy Institute: 100%

August 20, 2011 by

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

In order to hold our government accountable – and ensure they are spending our tax dollars wisely – citizens must have access to public information.


Unfortunately, too many local government agencies across Illinois have viewed proactive online transparency as a privilege rather than a right. Many elected officials have lost sight of the fact that, as citizens, taxpayers and voters, “we the people” are the bosses of government, not the other way around. But, with the work of the staff of the Illinois Policy Institute, our volunteers and forward thinking government officials, things are beginning to change in Illinois.


Last week the village of Orland Park became the first Illinois local government agency to score a perfect 100% on our Ten-Point Transparency Checklist, Orland Park is setting an example for other communities to follow and building momentum for statewide local government transparency standards like the Local Government Transparency Act. See what the Southtown Star wrote about Orland Park’s accomplishment here.


You can help make our government more transparent and accountable to the taxpayers by volunteering your time or sponsoring a Local Transparency Project in your home area. Contact me at bcostin@illinoispolicy.org to participate in the Local Transparency Project in your community.


Brian Costin
Director of Outreach
Illinois Policy Institute
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Ill. Policy Institute: 100%”

Americans For Prosperity - Budget - Congress - Conservatives - Constitution - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Elections - GOP - Government - Illinois - Liberals - President - Rights - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Honoring the Constitution with a Day of Training

August 19, 2011 by

From the Chicago Tea Party…

When Benjamin Franklin left the Pennsylvania State House after signing the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, the wife of the mayor of Philadelphia approached him to ask what the new American government would be. Franklin replied, “A republic, madam. If you can keep it.” On Constitution Day 2011, we will continue the fight to keep it with the largest one-day training of conservative activists ever. American Majority will hold training in 13 states across the country, and we’ve been honored to have Chicago chosen as one of the locations. Join the Chicago Tea Party and American Majority for a day of training on Saturday, September 17, the 224th anniversary of the day the framers signed our nation’s founding document.

The principles of limited government and individual freedom are being challenged by an all too powerful federal government in Washington.. Understanding there is a problem is not enough. Protesting is not enough. For us to turn this country around, informed and engaged citizens must be equipped with the tools to bring about real change. There’s no better day than Constitution Day to bring thousands of Americans together to learn how they can ensure we continue to live in a free society.
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Honoring the Constitution with a Day of Training”

Americans For Prosperity - Anti-Americanism - Budget - Business - Capitalism - Crime - Democrats/Leftists - Elections - Ethics - Government - Jobs - Liberals - NLRB - Taxes - Unions - Warner Todd Huston

AFP: Another Union Power Grab‏

August 18, 2011 by

From Americans for Prosperity…

Obama’s union boss buddies poured hundreds of millions into getting him and his Democratic allies elected in 2008, but they were unable to pass their signature legislation stripping workers of private ballot rights. And in last year’s midterm election, they were wiped out.

But Obama’s union buddies at the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) won’t take no for an answer.

The board is packed with radical union lawyers that Obama installed by the back door – so-called recess appointments to sidestep the Senate. Consider the words of Craig Becker, the former SEIU lawyer Obama put on the NLRB without Senate approval:
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AFP: Another Union Power Grab‏”

Americans For Prosperity - Budget - Conservatives - Elections - Government - Illinois - Liberals - Nanny State - Republicans - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

AFP: Join Us for a Special GOTV Training Program August 27th‏

August 14, 2011 by

From Americans for Prosperity…

Americans for Prosperity, United to Restore Freedom and the Great Awakening invite you to a special “Get Out the Vote” training seminar conducted by the prestigious Leadership Institute.

The Leadership Institute stands alone as the only conservative organization with the mission to increase the number and effectiveness of conservative activists and leaders in the public policy process. The Institute doesn’t analyze policy; it teaches conservative Americans how to influence policy through direct participation-activism and leadership.
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AFP: Join Us for a Special GOTV Training Program August 27th‏”

Americans For Prosperity - Budget - Conservatives - Ethics - Government - Illinois - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Americans for Prosperity: You’re Invited to a Special Meeting – What’s happening in Washington?‏

August 13, 2011 by

From Americans for Prosperity-Illinois…

Over the past years Americans for Prosperity and those who believe in fewer taxes, smaller government and more personal freedoms have become engaged in the battle over the direction and the future of our country. We have all fought hard to protect our freedoms, yet there is so much more to do.

Right now we’re in the midst of the most important policy battles over government spending in our lifetime. Debt ceilings, balanced budgets, Homeland Security, Social Security reform, Medicaid reform, regulatory reform, what does it all mean and how is it going to affect our pocket books?

To learn more about these issues and more please join Americans for Prosperity and the Great Awakening for a special Skype presentation by Americans for Prosperity’s National Director of Government Affairs, James Valvo.
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Americans for Prosperity: You’re Invited to a Special Meeting – What’s happening in Washington?‏”

Americans for Tax Reform - Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Government - Illinois - Liberals - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Aug. 12: Happy Cost of Government Day (Illinoisans Hardest Hit)

August 12, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Well, we’ve finally paid for the cost of government for the year. That’s right, it took over half the year for working folks to pay off what it costs to keep government rolling for a year. Sadly, Illinois does not far as well as most other states.

Each year Americans for Tax Reform figures in the costs of federal, state, and local taxes, fees and costs to float government and calculates that against the income earned by each individual American worker to arrive at the day that government costs are satisfied for the year. This year the day is August 12th.

Working people must toil 224 days out of the year just to meet all costs imposed by government, a full 27 days longer than 2008.

In other words, in 2011 the cost of government consumes 61.42 percent of national income.

Interestingly, last year’s date was August 14, so 2011’s cost of government day is two days earlier than 2010’s.
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Aug. 12: Happy Cost of Government Day (Illinoisans Hardest Hit)”

Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Illinois - Illinois Policy Institute - Liberals - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Ill. Policy Institute: $85 Billion in the Red‏

August 12, 2011 by

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

My name is Ted Dabrowski, and I’m the Institute’s new Vice President of Policy.

During my first two months here I’ve rapidly engaged in the many challenges Illinois faces. I’m excited to work with all of you to implement policies that help Illinois return to prosperity.

But the path won’t be easy. Last week’s Standard & Poors downgrade of U.S. debt heaped additional scrutiny on the credit rating of states that are fiscally irresponsible. A credit rating consolidates a state’s policies, its financial health and overall outlook into a single rating. Unfortunately, Illinois shares the worst credit rating in the nation with the state of California.

But the situation will worsen. Recently, Moody’s Investors Service (the other major credit rating agency) began implementing a major change in how they calculate a state’s credit rating. Moody’s will now take into account how much each state owes to its retirement funds. Our newest policy report highlights this issue specifically. Read that report here.

For those of you who don’t know how much much Illinois has shortchanged its pension system over the past decades, it now exceeds $85 billion. That number alone dwarfs the rest of Illinois’s other debt.

Policymakers and citizens alike should take notice. Illinois’s credit ratings have been in a downward trajectory for the past few years. We need a new direction from our leaders and we need your engagement.

If you take only one thing away from this news, it should be the following: Reforming the broken pension system of Illinois is pivotal to securing your family’s future and saving the vital services that are so important to your community and Illinois’s future prosperity.

Sincerely,

Ted Dabrowski
Vice President for Policy
Illinois Policy Institute

P.S. I look foward to meeting you in person soon. Feel free to contact me by phone at 312-346-5700 or by email tdabrowski@illinoispolicy.org.

Kinzinger, Durbin Weigh in on Reforming Tax Code | Tillman, Ruder Debate Credit Impact: MyFoxCHICAGO.com

What’s Happening with the Stock Market?
To say the least, the stock market has not reacted kindly to the debt ceiling agreement made in Washington and the subsequent lowering of our nation’s credit rating. Why is this happening and what does this mean going forward? John Tillman appeared on FOX Chicago earlier this week to address these important issues. Watch that video above.

Join Us at the State Fair
On August 17 and 18, we are going to be out in numbers at the State Fair in Springfield gathering signatures for our Repeal the Tax Hike Petition. Come on by to say hi or to help us collect more signatures! More information is available here.

Event: Heartland Institute Author Series
On Tuesday, Aug. 16, join our friends at the Heartland Institute as they host Nick Gillespie and Matt Welch of the Reason Foundation to discuss their new book, “The Declaration of Independents.” The event is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Jaks Tap (901 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60607). The cost to attend is $25, which includes food and drink. Click here to register.

Budget - Business - Capitalism - Democrats/Leftists - Government - Liberals - Taxes - Truth in Accounting - Warner Todd Huston

Truth In Accounting Exposes ‘Unbalanced’ Budgets

August 11, 2011 by 1 Comment

From the Institute for Truth in Accounting…

Report Identifies Five Sinkhole States and Five Sunshine States

Chicago, (August 3, 2011) – While Congress debated legislation that includes a federal balanced budget amendment, many pointed out that 49 out of the 50 states have that same legal requirement. However, a new comprehensive study by non-partisan Institute for Truth in Accounting reports most state balanced budget laws have not worked, because past governors and legislators have not used truthful accounting to calculate their budgets. This lack of transparency has concealed a total of $1 trillion of outstanding bills.

‘State officials say their budgets are balanced but do not include employee pension and healthcare obligations in their calculations,’ stated Sheila Weinberg, Founder and CEO of the Institute. ‘Unlike the federal government, states can’t ‘print money’ to cover costs and shore up their financial conditions.’
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Truth In Accounting Exposes ‘Unbalanced’ Budgets”

Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Ethics - Government - Illinois - Illinois Policy Institute - Illinois State Government - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Ill. Policy Institute: A great, cost-cutting move for Chicago‏

August 7, 2011 by

Have you ever been stuck in downtown Chicago traffic and thought that the traffic control aides – the people with the orange vests and whistles – were making snarls worse?

We did and, after digging through government budgets, found that Chicago spent over $10 million on wages for traffic control aides in 2009. Our “Spotlight on Spending” from last October showed how to save money (and frustration) by scaling back the program. We’re pleased to note that this week Mayor Emanuel did just that, for savings of over $2 million.

Have you come across a state or local government program that doesn’t serve its intended purpose? I’d like to talk with you about it. Send me a reply email or call me at 217-528-8800.
Sincerely,

Mark Cavers
Government Reform Policy Analyst
Illinois Policy Institute
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Ill. Policy Institute: A great, cost-cutting move for Chicago‏”

Budget - Congress - Democrats/Leftists - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Liberals - Republicans - Senate - Taxes - Truth in Accounting - Warner Todd Huston

Truth in Accounting Exposes ‘Unbalanced’ Budgets

August 5, 2011 by

From the Institute for Truth in Accounting…

Report Identifies Five Sinkhole States and Five Sunshine States

Chicago, (August 3, 2011) – While Congress debated legislation that includes a federal balanced budget amendment, many pointed out that 49 out of the 50 states have that same legal requirement. However, a new comprehensive study by non-partisan Institute for Truth in Accounting reports most state balanced budget laws have not worked, because past governors and legislators have not used truthful accounting to calculate their budgets. This lack of transparency has concealed a total of $1 trillion of outstanding bills.
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Truth in Accounting Exposes ‘Unbalanced’ Budgets”

Abortion - Barack Obama - Democrats/Leftists - Government - Lake County Right To Life - Liberals - President - Warner Todd Huston

HHS Sec. Sebelius Adopts Guidelines Violating Obama’s Executive Order

August 4, 2011 by

From Lake County Right to Life…

Religious Hospitals Could be Forced to Cease Providing Health Care

(Grayslake, IL – August 2, 2011) Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius announced Monday that the federal government will require new health plans to fully cover all contraception, including sterilization and pills designed to cause abortions. Conscience protections previously promised in President Obama’s 2010 Executive Order, as well as current conscience laws, have been ignored.

Sebelius’s decision to classify contraception as “preventive medicine,” causes all related drugs having FDA approval, such as abortion pills Ella, Plan B and RU486, to be included in health plans at 100% coverage. This means that individuals and insurers who find these morally objectionable will have no other option and will be forced to pay for them.
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HHS Sec. Sebelius Adopts Guidelines Violating Obama’s Executive Order”

Americans For Prosperity - Elections - Warner Todd Huston - Wisconsin

AFP: Join GOTV At-Home Phone Banks NOW!‏

August 3, 2011 by

From Americans for Prosperity — Illinois…

As you may have heard, Wisconsin will be holding a series of recall elections in the coming weeks, and as we know, voter turnout is typically low during recall elections. The Wisconsin chapter of AFP launched a large scale nonpartisan Get-Out-The-Vote program that utilizes one of the most efficient and effective at-home phone bank systems available. This technology provides activists throughout the country an opportunity to use their own telephone to encourage Wisconsin voters to turn out on Election Day for the upcoming recall elections.

Thank you for your dedicated efforts in the past. Will you help AFP make calls again? Your help will make a big difference in ensuring as many voters as possible get to the polls.
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AFP: Join GOTV At-Home Phone Banks NOW!‏”

Budget - Business - Capitalism - Conservatives - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Government - Illinois - Liberals - Ronald Reagan - Taxes - The Heartland Institute - Warner Todd Huston

At Heartland’s Celebration of Milton Friedman’s 99th Birthday

August 2, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Last week I attended a great talk given by University of Chicago economics professor Allen Sanderson in celebration of economics giant Milton Friedman’s 99th birthday. The talk was sponsored by the Chicago-based Heartland Institute.

We are humbled by the fact that in his life and long career at the University of Chicago, Friedman declared himself a friend and fan of our organization, calling us “a highly effective libertarian institute.” Today’s luncheon address was delivered by University of Chicago economics professor Allen Sanderson, who was a colleague of one of the brightest minds of the 20th century. We’ll have video of Sanderson’s entertaining and enlightening presentation up on our website next week.

Professor Sanderson was a colleague and friend of the great economist and related several funny and interesting stories about his days with the Friedman’s.

The Free Lunch Myth

Reason Magazine Celebrates Friedman

Ronald Reagan on Milton Friedman

Visit The Heartland Institute for more interesting and edifying videos and information.
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At Heartland’s Celebration of Milton Friedman’s 99th Birthday”

Americans For Prosperity - Elections - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Joe Walsh - Liberals - Redistricting - Republicans

About The New Illinois 8th District

August 1, 2011 by

-By Collin Corbett

When Joe Walsh narrowly upset Democratic incumbent Melissa Bean by 290 votes in last year’s 8th Congressional District race, many insiders assumed that he, along with most of the other Illinois GOP freshmen, would be on the chopping block in the looming Democrat gerrymandering process. True to assumptions the new Congressional map, which could be overturned in court but will likely hold up, draws Walsh out of his current district and makes the 8th District an open seat.

To give you a picture of the new 8th District, here are some important figures to consider:

  • Demographics
  • Increased from 8% to 12% Asian
  • Increased from 17% to 27% Hispanic
  • Increased minority voting population 13.92% overall
  • Voting Trends
    • Went 61.5% for Obama in 2008
    • Went 48.1% to 43.6% for Brady in 2010
    • Went 51.1% to 43.3% for Kirk in 2010
    • Went 55.2% to 39.7% for Rutherford in 2010
  • Geography
    • Comprised roughly of 51% Cook, 40% DuPage, 9% Kane
    • Contains roughly 56% of the old 6th, 26% of the old 8th, 5% of the old 10th, and 13% of the old 14th
    • Kane County portion heavily blue, DuPage County portion fairly red, Cook County portion leans slightly red

    At quick glance, the numbers pulled by Brady, Kirk, and Rutherford in 2010 in the new 8th might lead one to believe that a Republican starts with an advantage. However, the combination of a strong Democrat field, a (so far) weak Republican field, a favorable election year for Illinois Democrats with Obama at the top of the ticket, and demographic trends in the district favoring a minority and/or female candidate lead many to believe that this seat currently leans towards a Democrat pickup.
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    About The New Illinois 8th District”

    Americans for Tax Reform - Cable - Democrats/Leftists - Journalism - Liberals - Media - Media Bias - MSNBC - Newt Gingrich - TV - Warner Todd Huston

    Gays, Media, Ignore MSNBC Talker’s Gay Slur

    July 31, 2011 by

    -By Warner Todd Huston

    We all know that the Old Media is filled with double standards where it concerns treatment of conservatives and liberals. Last week we found yet another example of the media’s penchant to hypocrisy when a talking head on MSNBC used a derogatory term associated with gays yet the entire militant gay establishment and their pals in the Old Media ignored the whole thing. We all know that if a conservative had issued a gay slur like that the tale would have overshadowed every story in the news today.

    Last week MSNBC’s left-wing talker Dylan Ratigan had fellow talking head Jimmy Williams on his program to discuss the debt ceiling talks going on in D.C. The discussion turned to head of Americans for Tax Reform Grover Norquist, whom Williams idiotically called a “petty criminal.” But what Williams said of the relationship he felt that Norquist and Newt Gingrich had was far worse. (My bold)

    One person is controlling the agenda of the United States of America right now and his name is Grover Norquist. Grover Norquist was Newt Gingrich’s butt buddy…

    First of all, it is simple-minded, and nothing but foolish demagoguery to seriously posit that Grover Norquist is “controlling the agenda of the United States of America right now.” Williams makes himself a clown with such nonsense. But that he goes on to use a gay slur right afterward truly makes of him no one worth taking seriously.
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    Gays, Media, Ignore MSNBC Talker’s Gay Slur”

    Climate Change - Environment - Kevin Roeten - Science - The Heartland Institute

    Clandestine Cause of Global Warming

    July 29, 2011 by

    -By Kevin Roeten

    Natural cycles ALWAYS change climate. One of the biggest cycles is the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). It shifts from warm to cold every 20-30 years, or on an inter-decadal time scale. This is directly related to sea surface temperature. The PDO’s temperature variance over more than 100 years can be viewed in the graph below. A common thread to PDO and climate is unmistakable. Both graphs below are from Wikipedia.

    Observed monthly values for the PDO (1900–2010).

    Both graphs below are from Wikipedia.

    File:Ecinfigtwo.jpg

    Even though the Atlantic is a significantly smaller body of water than the Pacific, it has similar effects on climate. It has what is typically known as the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO). It has a quasi-cycle of warm to cold every ~70 years. Both the PDO and AMO are directly affected by other natural cycles.
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    Clandestine Cause of Global Warming”

    Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Government - Illinois - Illinois Policy Institute - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Michael Madigan - Pat Quinn - Taxes - Tom Cross - Warner Todd Huston

    Quinn’s Big Cuts Amount to a Mere $8 Per Citizen

    July 8, 2011 by

    From the Illinois Policy Institute…

    Over the past week, there has been a lot of news coverage of the line item vetos Gov. Quinn made before signing the budget. Many have mischaracterized this budget as one that is austere.

    As we’ve said before that is not the case and these additional “cuts” the governor made don’t change that assessment.

    The cuts are minimal at best. The actual cuts equate to only $8 per person and still are not enough to allow for the scheduled sunset of the tax hikes.

    To learn more, check out the latest in our portfolio of budget work.
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    Quinn’s Big Cuts Amount to a Mere $8 Per Citizen”

    Americans For Prosperity - Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Michael Madigan - Republicans - Senate - Taxes - Tom Cross - Warner Todd Huston

    Illinois Legislative Session Wrap Up

    July 7, 2011 by

    -By Warner Todd Huston

    So, once we get past the vague, gut feeling that not much was done in this past legislative session, we can look over the last several months and assess what Springfield done for us all. As the state was distracted by yet another trial for Rod Blagojevich (this time a successful one) our elected officials were at loggerheads on many issues. But with the Democrats having such a hammerlock on power, most everything went their way. And, in some cases “their way” was no way at all.

    For instance, the general assembly once again failed to address pension reform. Like the Sword of Damocles, the pension mess hangs over the heads of every single citizen of Illinois. Sadly, we cannot blame only the Democrats, here, as there has been a complete lack of political will (and courage) on both sides of the aisle to take on this issue. In fact, many of the problem legislators are those Republicans whose districts have a large population of state workers and are swayed by the government unions to which they belong.

    Some think the pension mess will be brought up during the coming veto session. There is no timeline for such an action, though.
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    Illinois Legislative Session Wrap Up”

    Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Government - Liberals - Taxes - Truth in Accounting - Warner Todd Huston

    Truth in Accounting’s Fifty State Study Uncovers the True Financial Condition of the States

    June 29, 2011 by

    From the Institute for Truth in Accounting…

    Only four U.S. states have sufficient assets to pay their debt and obligations related to pension and retirees’ healthcare

    Today, the Institute for Truth in Accounting (IFTA) announces completion of a significant, comprehensive study of all 50 states’ assets and liabilities, including pension and retirement healthcare obligations. The study determined that six states had a per taxpayer burden over $20,000: Connecticut ($41,200), Illinois ($26,800), Hawaii ($25,000), Kentucky ($23,800), Massachusetts ($20,100) and New Jersey ($34,600). The Taxpayer Burden represents the funds that will be needed to pay the commitments the state has already accumulated divided by the state’s taxpayers.

    “If governors and legislatures had truly balanced each state’s budget, no taxpayer’s financial burden would exist,” said Sheila Weinberg, Founder and CEO of the Institute. She continued, “A state budget is not balanced if past costs, including those for employees’ retirement benefits, are pushed into the future.”
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    Truth in Accounting’s Fifty State Study Uncovers the True Financial Condition of the States”

    Budget - Business - Capitalism - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Government - Illinois - Illinois Policy Institute - Illinois State Government - Jobs - Liberals - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

    A Spending Increase in Springfield‏

    June 23, 2011 by

    Following the passage of a record tax hike earlier this year, politicians from both parties promised fiscal austerity. As some would tell it, they’ve delivered on that promise by passing a budget containing cuts.

    But the truth is they have not delivered on that promise. At least not yet.

    Our analysis shows how – contrary to promises and reports of a leaner budget – the plan passed by the General Assembly amounts to a significant spending increase compared to last year. This budget will lead to billions in new deficit spending over the coming decade, while setting the stage for extending the tax increases. It cannot stand. To learn more about this, watch this video of highlights from our press conference yesterday:

    Bottom line: Spending is still too high. The credibility of politicians who promised an end to tax-and-spend habits and gimmickry is on the line. Additional reductions must be made, and they must be made now.

    Call your state legislator today, and let them know what you think about unchecked spending growth.

    Kristina Rasmussen
    Executive Vice President
    Illinois Policy Institute
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    A Spending Increase in Springfield‏”

    Americans For Prosperity - Democrats/Leftists - Government - Inernet - Liberals - Minnesota - Net Neutrality - Regulation - The Atlantic - Warner Todd Huston

    The Atlantic Magazine’s Lies: Of Breitbarts, Kochs, and RightOnLine

    June 22, 2011 by 2 Comments

    -By Warner Todd Huston

    Last weekend Americans For Prosperity once again held its RightOnLine conference, this year in beautiful downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. Consequently, the Atlantic Magazine decided to do a report on what went on at RightOnLine. Unfortunately, the whole thing was filled with opinions stated as fact, misconstructions of facts, and outright lies. Sadly, along with the rest of the Old Media, it seems as if the veracity of The Atlantic has taken a hit in this bad Obama economy.

    The Atlantic assigned third string reporter Tina Dupuy to handle the RightOnLine retrospective, apparently, if her reports are any indication, because she was already in town to cover Netroots Nation. Netroots Nation is the far left conference made famous by the Daily Kos and its YearlyKos conference. YearlyKos started in 2006 and was later re-branded as Netroots Nation in 2008.

    As always the RightOnLine event was held at the same time and in the same city as this year’s left-wing extravaganza. AFP does this because, in AFP President Tim Phillips’ words, “to see the true nature of our opponents.”

    In order to ingratiate herself with the Nutrooters, at the top of her piece the Atlantic’s Dupuy went right for the left’s favorite boogey men: the dreaded Koch Brothers. Dupuy lamented, “Why is there a giant Koch-funded conservative gathering at the same time and in the same city as Netroots Nation, anyway?”
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    The Atlantic Magazine’s Lies: Of Breitbarts, Kochs, and RightOnLine”

    Barack Obama - Budget - Business - Communism - Congress - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Government - Health - Liberals - Nanny State - President - Regulation - Sam Adams Alliance - Socialism - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

    Video Interview: Eric O’Keefe and Getting Rid Of Obamacare With The Health Care Compact

    June 21, 2011 by 4 Comments

    -By Warner Todd Huston

    Obamacare will sink this country if it is ever allowed to come into full operation. So says Eric O’Keefe, Chairman of Sam Adams Alliance, a Chicago-based, free market organization, and chief advocate for the Health Care Compact, an effort that can replace Obamacare and give us a truly American way to address our healthcare problems.

    I met up with Mr. O’Keefe at the RightOnLine conference in beautiful downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota this year and in the following video we talk about a great new way to get rid of Obamacare and solve our healthcare problems at the same time.

    Mr. O’Keefe is a principle advocate of the Health Care Compact (healthcarecompact.org), a great 10th Amendment effort to return the problems and solutions of healthcare to the states.

    From the Compact’s website:
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    Video Interview: Eric O’Keefe and Getting Rid Of Obamacare With The Health Care Compact”

    Abortion - al Qaeda - Americans For Prosperity - Budget - Business - Capitalism - Economy/Finances - Elections - GOP - Government - Herman Cain - Islam - Islamofascism - Jobs - Judaism - Minnesota - President - Regulation - Republicans - Taxes - Terrorism - Warner Todd Huston

    VIDEO: Herman Cain Raises Voice at Blogger, Holds His Ground

    June 20, 2011 by 1 Comment

    -By Warner Todd Huston

    Herman Cain appeared at last weekend’s RightOnLine conference (June 18) to two standing ovations. His rousing campaign speech apparently hit all the right notes with the conservative audience in attendance. But afterward, in the blogger access room, there were a few sour notes, in one case Cain even angrily yelled at a blogger over a question hard pressed.

    The RightOnLine conference is a get together held annually by Americans For Prosperity and aimed at helping citizens become more involved in their government both on and off the Internet. This year’s event was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota but Cain has spoken at this conference several times in the past.

    This time, though, Cain is running for president and questions were a tad less fawning in the blogger access session. Several questions about his refusal to sign the abortion pledge, how his foreign policy ideas are perceived as weak, and his statements on Muslims in his administration got Cain passion flowing and his eyes flashing.

    I was at this meeting and was able to get a full video of the session.
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    VIDEO: Herman Cain Raises Voice at Blogger, Holds His Ground”

    Americans For Prosperity - Minnesota - Warner Todd Huston

    Freedomist at RightOnLine 2011

    June 17, 2011 by 1 Comment

    -By Warner Todd Huston

    The Collier brothers, William and Paul, have a great booth set up at RightOnLine 2011 to begin to build a network of interested citizens to affect conservative change.

    The Colliers have a great site, too, called The Freedomist. Their tag line couldn’t be more true: “Government Costs Too Much, Let’s Stop the Progressive War on Freedom.”

    The Freedomist is a great site of news, commentary, and political action items we should all pay attention to. Bookmark The Freedomist, won’t you?

    Bill will be blogging about RightOnLine HERE
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    Freedomist at RightOnLine 2011″

    Americans For Prosperity - Minnesota - Warner Todd Huston

    RightOnLine 2011

    June 17, 2011 by

    -By Warner Todd Huston

    This weekend I’ll be writing a few posts about the always great RightOnLine event, of which I am a part, here in beautiful downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota at the Hilton Hotel. At this fourth annual RightOnLine conference, local citizens can come out to learn how to become involved in elections, to become citizen journalists, and to use the tool found on the Internet to affect change.

    RightOnLine 2011 is sponsored by Americans for Prosperity, the premier grassroots conservative activist organization in the country.

    Many great speakers and breakout sessions are going on as I write. Some of the speakers that will be in attendance will include former Minn. Governor Tim Pawlenty, Rep. Michele Bachmann, Herman Cain, Andrew Breitbart, Michelle Malkin, Rep. Thad McCotter and others.

    Also, tonight we will be screening the new documentary about Sarah Palin, The Undefeated.

    So, as things occur, I’ll be posting about it all right here.
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    RightOnLine 2011″

    Conservatives - Illinois - Republicans - United Republican Fund - Warner Todd Huston

    Right Nation 2011 Chosen as Location for Black Conservative Summit

    June 17, 2011 by

    WINFIELD, IL – URF announced today that Right Nation 2011, taking place November 3-5, will be the location for the first annual Black Conservative Summit (BCS) hosted by Freedom’s Journal Magazine.

    “We’re honored the BCS has chosen Right Nation 2011 as a location to showcase the diversity of conservatism throughout the Midwest. We’re delighted that Dr. Eric Wallace and a team of highly-respected black conservative leaders, along with Freedom’s Journal Magazine, have agreed to be an integral part of this year’s event,” said Dennis LaComb, URF Executive Director. “Their participation will add depth and breadth to this year’s gathering, and will showcase the richness of the conservative movement.”

    Freedom’s Journal Magazine is the sponsor of the Black Conservative Summit (BCS). The purpose of the summit is to aggregate and engender Black conservative voices on issues facing America and the Black community, and to proffer solutions that positively impact the country’s future.

    Several Black conservative leaders have already confirmed their participation, including national columnist Star Parker, radio show host Armstrong Williams, Rev. Wayne Perryman, and Raynard Jackson.
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    Right Nation 2011 Chosen as Location for Black Conservative Summit”