State Policy Groups

Americans For Prosperity - Budget - Business - Capitalism - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Government - Liberals - President - Regulation - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Against The Odds, Right Leads Online

June 16, 2011 by 1 Comment

(Ed’s note – I will be flying to Minneapolis to attend the RightOnline.com conference this year. If you have the time or are in the Minneapolis area, do come on out)

-By Erik Telford

Arianna Huffington’s recent mega-payday from AOL was powerful evidence of the tight connection between the hard-left netroots and the online establishment. And AOL isn’t the only web giant to provide apparently favorable treatment to the left. Google has been accused of blocking certain right-wing websites or lowering their standing in search results, and its YouTube subsidiary seems to remove files uploaded by conservatives far more often than offensive content posted by liberals.

The love affair between the tech giants and the big-government left can be traced not only to Silicon Valley’s geographical proximity to San Francisco but also to the two groups’ shared agenda. President Obama’s stated goal of having the FCC regulate the Internet will ensure that bandwidth-heavy websites will not have to pay for the billions of dollars in investments that private broadband companies made. Of course, money from the technology industry flows freely into Democratic coffers.

Yet somehow the right is more than holding its own in the online activism arena.
Continue reading “

Against The Odds, Right Leads Online”

Barack Obama - Conservatives - Elections - Freedom Works - GOP - Government - President - RightPundits.com - Warner Todd Huston

Can Tea Party Conservatives Support Mitt Romney?

June 10, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

The Daily Caller has an interesting interview with the chief of what is reputed to be the leading Tea Party organization in America, FreedomWorks. Matt Kibbe, the president of FreedomWorks, said that Tea Party conservatives are having a major problem supporting Mitt Romney, not just in the primaries but also if he were to become the party nominee.

If this is true, it would seem to make Romney’s path to the White House problematic. If Mitt can’t get the conservative base out to help him defeat Obama, there isn’t likely any way he can win election to the presidency…

Read the rest at RightPundits.com.

Americans For Prosperity - Anti-Americanism - Budget - Business - Capitalism - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Energy - Government - Jobs - Liberals - Oil - President - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Announcing the Running on Empty Tour

June 8, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Americans have sent Obama a bill for: $560,699.03

The number above is how much more gas will cost Americans over the next 12 months compared to the price when President Obama took office.

Americans for Prosperity Foundation is kicking off the Running On Empty Tour, a national grassroots tour to highlight President Obama on his administrative policies that have led to some serious pain at the pump for all Americans.
Continue reading “

Announcing the Running on Empty Tour”

Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Ethics - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois Policy Institute - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Republicans - Senate - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Ill. Budget Cuts: Not Far Enough‏

June 4, 2011 by

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

The General Assembly has adjourned for the summer. A budget was passed that contained real cuts, but it was still too big. Significant school reform sits on the governor’s desk. Illinois government will be more transparent. And yet so much more remains to be done.

Here are the highlights of the spring 2011 legislative session in Illinois. Over the next few weeks, we will roll out a thorough analysis of all the legislative items, large and small, that were on the Institute’s watch list this year. Stay tuned.

Thank you,

Collin Hitt
Senior Director of Government Affairs
Illinois Policy Institute

We Don’t Want It; You Can’t Afford It
The Institute’s open letter to Congress implores lawmakers in Washington, D.C. to just say NO to any federal bailouts of spendthrift states. Voters in Arkansas, Florida, Nevada, Maine, Colorado and elsewhere shouldn’t be forced to pony up for Illinois’s self-made mess.
Continue reading “

Ill. Budget Cuts: Not Far Enough‏”

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

True Bridgeport, Conn. Financial Burden is $1.4 Billion

May 28, 2011 by

Today the Institute for Truth in Accounting and the Comeback America Initiative released Bridgeport, Connecticut’s “Financial State of the City.” After an intensive review of the city’s 2010 audited financial report and actuarial reports, the Institute determined that, like many cities, Bridgeport is in a precarious financial position, because it is $1.4 billion short of the funds necessary to pay the city’s commitments as they come due. Each household’s* share of this financial burden equals $27,100.

The Charter of the City of Bridgeport mandates a balanced budget. “If Bridgeport’s past Mayor and City Council had truly balanced the city’s budget, no financial burden would exist,” said Sheila Weinberg, founder and CEO of the Institute for Truth in Accounting (IFTA). She continued, “A city budget is not balanced if current costs, including those for employees’ retirement benefits, are pushed into the future.”
Continue reading “

True Bridgeport, Conn. Financial Burden is $1.4 Billion”

Business - Capitalism - Democrats/Leftists - Government - Illinois - Illinois Policy Institute - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Pensions - Public Employees Unions - Taxes - Unions - Warner Todd Huston

Illinois Pension Reform One Step Closer‏

May 27, 2011 by

This week, State Treasurer Dan Rutherford drew a line in the sand. Dismissing shortsighted calls for more borrowing, he pledged to warn would-be lenders against extending more credit to Illinois’s spendthrift state government. I spoke with Rutherford about his stand; listen in.

Much of the state’s borrowing in recent years has been for government employee pensions costs – which are climbing annually. But this pattern of borrowing for pensions could someday halt if a pension reform proposal succeeds in Springfield.

Pension reform language was just posted at the statehouse. Collin Hitt read the bill and offers up his review here. Simply put, a vote for pension reform will brighten this state’s future – a vote against it will push Illinois further into economic decline.
Continue reading “

Illinois Pension Reform One Step Closer‏”

Americans For Prosperity - Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Government - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Pensions - Public Employees Unions - Taxes - Teachers Unions - Unions - Warner Todd Huston

Pension Debate Heats Up – Tell Your Lawmaker to Fix Illinois’ Pensions NOW!‏

May 20, 2011 by

Lawmakers continue to debate pension reforms for current state employees and a decision will be made soon – this year’s legislative session is scheduled to end on May 31st.

This may be our last chance to have our voices heard. Click here NOW to tell your lawmaker it’s time to enact substantive reforms of the state employee pension system that directly affect current state employees.

Illinois’ fiscal problems can no longer be ignored. Illinois is spending beyond its means and has ignored countless unpaid bills! Moreover, the fact that we have no real plan for dealing with these fiscal problems have made our state one of the least attractive places for doing business.

The website 24/7 Wall St. took a look at the pension systems of every state in America and created a top 10 list of states where pensions are running out of money. Sadly, Illinois is second on that list with a $126 billion pension liability.

Take action now to return our great state to fiscal sanity. Click here to tell your lawmaker to fix Illinois’ pensions now.

For more information on pension reform go to: http://fixillinoispensionsnow.com/.

Thank you for your continued support and activism.

Sincerely,

Joe Calomino
State Director
Americans for Prosperity-Illinois

Budget - Chicago - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Government - Illinois - Illinois Policy Institute - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Pensions - Public Employees Unions - Taxes - Teachers Unions - Unions - Warner Todd Huston

Ill. Policy Institute: One Week’s Lost Pay for Pensions‏

May 19, 2011 by

I returned from maternity leave just in time to take part in the epic debate over public pension reform. Get the teachers’ pension costs will top General State Aid education spending this year unless we act now.

To date the working model for pension reform has been House Bill 149, introduced by House GOP Leader Tom Cross. The language in that legislation is being modified and likely will be placed on Senate Bill 512, a shell bill assigned for hearing in tomorrow’s House Personnel and Pensions Committee.

Given Illinois’s worst-in-the-nation unfunded liability and “blue state” politics, what unfolds over the coming days will be a bellwether for the rest of the country. Has your legislator heard from you? (Click here to find your state legislator)
Continue reading “

Ill. Policy Institute: One Week’s Lost Pay for Pensions‏”

Budget - Chicago - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Government - Illinois - Illinois Policy Institute - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Pensions - Public Employees Unions - SEIU - Taxes - Teachers Unions - Unions - Warner Todd Huston

Defusing the Illinois Pension Bomb, One Letter at a Time‏

May 13, 2011 by

How to reform the public employee pension system is the most crucial question facing Illinois today. The state has an $86 billion unfunded pension liability, and a recent study by the Pew Center ranked Illinois’s pensions as the worst funded in the nation. Bold action is needed to balance the state’s pension funds while keeping Illinois from falling deeper into an economic death spiral.

The public employee pension system is unsustainable. It must be fixed. We need your help now.

As you read this, a pension reform bill is being debated Springfield: HB149. This bill would begin to create equity government workers and the taxpayers who fund their salaries. Legislators on both sides of the aisle are coming together, and with your help, we believe we have a chance at passing one of the most important reforms in Illinois history. That’s why I’m asking you to write to your local newspaper in support of reforming the pension system.

Writing a letter to the editor is an easy way to reach thousands of your neighbors on this important issue.
Continue reading “

Defusing the Illinois Pension Bomb, One Letter at a Time‏”

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

URF Launches Right Nation 2011 Website – Event Coming Nov 3-5

May 11, 2011 by

WINFIELD, IL – Yesterday URF launched a new website for Right Nation 2011, the biggest political event of the year occurring on November 3-5 in Chicagoland. The site can be viewed at www.RightNation2011.com.

Expanding on their success from 2010, when the first ever Midwest conservative convention drew nearly 6,000 paid attendees and coverage from over 50 media outlets, this year’s event will span three days.

Further information on Right Nation 2011 will be released in the coming months. Sign up at www.RightNation2011.com to receive updates as they are available.

About URF:

URF is a board-driven organization, started in 1934, that pools and invests its investors’ resources to advance conservative principles, policies, and people throughout the Midwest based on the URF LIFT principles of limited and ethical government, individual freedom and responsibility, free markets, and traditional American values. URF consists of United to Restore Freedom, a 501c3 non-profit, URF Action, a 501c4 non-profit, and United Republican Fund. Right Nation is a project of URF, and in 2011 is scheduled for November 3-5 in Chicagoland.

Budget - Children - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Ethics - Freedom Works - Liberals - Public Employees Unions - Taxes - Teachers Unions - Unions - Warner Todd Huston - Washington D.C.

Union Thug Teacher Hopes Opponents Get Roughed Up by Teamsters

May 10, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Like any union thug, when confronted by someone that simply won’t bend to union will, why, the first thing they resort to is violence — or at least threats of same — and this union thug in Washington D.C. is no different than any other.

Caught at a protest arranged by unions to attack school choice, the cameras of some Freedom Works folks found a typical unionista that hoped the Teamsters would “kick the asses” of those that dare oppose the unions. She wished violence to descend upon anyone that wants kids to have a better education.

Naturally, this union creep also resorted to foul language.

Typical union thug.
Continue reading “

Union Thug Teacher Hopes Opponents Get Roughed Up by Teamsters”

Dan Proft - Illinois - Military - Operation Homefront

SFC Christopher Winling & Family Win “Warm Welcome Home” $50k Remodeling Contest

April 26, 2011 by

(Chicago, Illinois) – This morning on WLS-AM 890’s “Don Wade & Roma Morning Show” Jill Winling, wife of SFC Christopher Winling, learned live on the air that her family was the winner of the “Warm Welcome Home” contest sponsored by WLS, Galaxie Home Remodeling and Operation Homefront-Illinois. (Listen to the interview here.)

“We are proud to participate in the ‘Warm Welcome Home’ contest in support of Illinois’ military families and we’re thankful to enjoy the generosity of good corporate citizens and WLS partners like Galaxie Home Remodeling,” said Michael Damsky, President & General Manager of WLS-AM/FM.

SFC Winling is currently serving in Afghanistan, his third deployment. In a previous deployment to Iraq, SFC Winling was injured when the vehicle hit an IED. He awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for his service. There are plans for SFC Winling to deploy again in 2013 after he returns home from Afghanistan later this year. The Winlings live in Lake Villa and are the proud parents of 3-year old twins (one boy, one girl).
Continue reading “

SFC Christopher Winling & Family Win “Warm Welcome Home” $50k Remodeling Contest”

Illinois - United Republican Fund - Warner Todd Huston

Save the Date: Right Nation 2011, Nov. 3-5

April 25, 2011 by

URF announced today that Right Nation 2011, the annual Midwest event, will take place November 3-5 in Chicagoland. In 2010, the first ever Midwest conservative convention drew nearly 6,000 paid attendees and coverage from over 50 media outlets, and this year it is expanding to three days.

Last year’s event was fun. I was there and you can see my report HERE, and HERE, and HERE. Let’s see who they can get to top Glenn Beck from 2010!
Continue reading “

Save the Date: Right Nation 2011, Nov. 3-5″

Crime - Democrats/Leftists - Ethics - GOP - Government - Health - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois Family Institute - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Medical Marijuana - Republicans - Tom Cross - Warner Todd Huston

Illinois Going to Pot? GOP Leader Now Supporting Medical Marijuana Bill

April 20, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

The Illinois Family Institute is a bit worried over the sudden about face that House GOP Leader Tom Cross has made on HB 30, a bill that includes legalizing medical marijuana sales in Illinois.

On April 15, Fox News Chicago reported that Cross switched from a “no” vote to “yes” because he had talked to people who use medical marijuana, “including one man who is a disabled veteran.”

Cross said the key to the legislation is that it limits marijuana use to particularly painful diseases such as cancer, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus and Crones’ Disease.

Cross told Fox that he supports the bill because it has “tight restrictions” on how medical marijuana can be used and sold.
Continue reading “

Illinois Going to Pot? GOP Leader Now Supporting Medical Marijuana Bill”

Americans For Prosperity - Budget - Business - Capitalism - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Government - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Jobs - Liberals - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Act Now to Support Workers Comp Reform in Illinois!‏

April 14, 2011 by

From Americans for Prosperity – Illinois…

Americans for Prosperity has learned that one of the most comprehensive workers compensation packages (SB 1349) is moving through the State Senate at an aggressive pace.

It’s essential that lawmakers reform the workers compensation system in Illinois. Illinois’ system of workers compensation is one the most generous systems in the nation. For this reason and more, the cost factors of the workers comp laws in Illinois place our businesses and our state at a great disadvantage with other states.
Continue reading “

Act Now to Support Workers Comp Reform in Illinois!‏”

Barack Obama - Budget - Citizens United - Congress - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Elections - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Liberals - President - Republicans - Senate - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Mr. President Cut Trillions Not Billions – The 800 Pound Gorilla

April 13, 2011 by

Remember when Obama said, “It is essential that we learn the lessons from this crisis so we don’t doom ourselves to repeat it”?

… Or how about Nancy “Read My Lips” Pelosi pledging, “Pay as you go – NO new deficit spending!”

And of course Sheriff Joey Biden explaining, “We gotta go spend money to keep from going bankrupt.”

In this year’s budget, how much of your money can an 800 pound gorilla spend? As much as it wants to. $14,000,000,000,000 National Debt.

Courtesy of Citizens United.

Americans For Prosperity - Budget - Chicago - Children - Conservatives - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - DuPage County - Economy/Finances - Education - Elections - Government - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Wasteful Referendum Defeated in Suburban Lamont

April 13, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

One of the election day success stories enjoyed by Americans for Prosperity, Illinois, occurred in nearby Lamont. A wasteful school referendum was defeated in Lamont and AFP was at the forefront of educating voters on the facts as they went to the polls.

Residents of Lamont had become tired of seeing their taxes go up every single year while the District constantly cried poor, so due to requests from residents, AFP – Illinois began an effort to understand exactly why the budget and the taxes for Lamont’s School District 113a have been constantly rising for every one of the last eleven years.

Upon investigation, AFP discovered that while revenues for the district have risen 50% over the last eleven years, the District’s spending has risen 77% during the same time.
Continue reading “

Wasteful Referendum Defeated in Suburban Lamont”

Budget - Business - CATO Institute - Congress - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Liberals - President - Republicans - Senate - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

The IRS Running Amok: Forcing Americans Banks to Put Foreign Tax Law Above U.S. Tax Law

April 12, 2011 by

Dan Mitchell of the CATO Institute gives us another great video, this one on the obscenity that is new move by the IRS to force American banks to put foreign tax law above American tax laws.

Budget - Business - Capitalism - Chicago - Cities - Democrats/Leftists - Ethics - Free Trade - GOP - Government - Illinois - Liberals - Republicans - Sam Adams Alliance - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Report: The 4th Annual Sammies

April 11, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

On Friday, April 8, I attended the 4th Annual Sammies Awards, a yearly event that brings together reform-minded folks from across the country to celebrate the best of America. The winners are all recognized for their engagement as watchdogs, reformers, messengers, and strategists and rightfully so.

This year’s keynote speaker was Fox Business Network’s John Stossel. Other featured speakers were such luminaries as Andrew Breitbart, The New York Times bestselling novelist Brad Thor, Jack Fowler, publisher of The National Review, and more. Also in attendance was John Fund of the Wall Street Journal, and dozens of Chicago area notables.

The event was sponsored by the Sam Adams Alliance, a free market and liberty minded policy organization based in Chicago. The group’s stated goal is to engage in the battle to restore self-government to America.

“Once again, the Sammies brought together the freedom lovers and freedom fighters who love their country and, in their way, engage to advance our freedom,” said Yvonne Ralsky, executive director of SAM. “The winners tonight would make Sam Adams proud. They are creative, strategic, impactful, and tenacious.”

This year’s event was held in the great hall of Chicago’s historic Union Station and what a beautiful presentation it was.

With purple as the theme color, the event was well furnished with some excellent settings and centerpieces. You might remember this setting as that from the 1987 movie The Untouchables starring Kevin Costner, Sean Connery, and Robert De Niro… though not nearly as much blood was spilled in the making of the 2011 Sammies, to be sure.
Continue reading “

Report: The 4th Annual Sammies”

Air Force - Army - Coast Guard - Dan Proft - Illinois - Marines - Military - National Guard - Navy - Operation Homefront

OH-IL Providing $50,000 Home Remodeling as a “Warm Welcome Home” to Chicago-area Military Family

April 11, 2011 by

-By Dan Proft

Last week, we emailed you to provide a brief introduction of Operation Homefront-Illinois, a vital organization formed immediately after 9/11 to provide emergency assistance to Illinois’ military families with a spouse deployed and wounded warriors who have returned home from service.

There are many ways we’re serving military families here in Illinois — including a new program we were pleased to launch with Galaxie Home Remodeling and WLS 890-AM.

This spring, WLS 890AM and Galaxie Home Remodeling are teaming up with Operation Homefront-Illinois for Warm Welcome Home – a program to thank a military family by remodeling their home! It’s our way of saying thank you to just one of the many families who sacrifice for our country.

Please click here to learn more about this great new program to help Chicago-area military families.

Military families from across the family are being nominated for and applying for this program.
Continue reading “

OH-IL Providing $50,000 Home Remodeling as a “Warm Welcome Home” to Chicago-area Military Family”

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

Ill. Policy Institute: Tax Day Rallies

April 10, 2011 by

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

The Illinois Policy Institute will participate in Tax Day rallies next week in Springfield, Peoria, Geneva and Chicago.

Since 2009, Tax Day rallies have been held across Illinois to raise awareness about out-of-control government spending, high taxes and unbalanced budgets. Now, more than ever, Illinoisans are feeling the pain from bad public policies that have emerged from Springfield.

With the 2012 election on the horizon, participating in a Tax Day rally is one way you can send a message to elected officials that you didn’t – and won’t – forget about the 67 percent tax hike passed this year.
Continue reading “

Ill. Policy Institute: Tax Day Rallies”

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

Truth in Accounting Issues: Indiana’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – True Tax Burden $11.4 Billion

April 10, 2011 by

From the Institute for Truth in Accounting…

Chicago (November 29, 2010) Today, the Institute for Truth in Accounting released Indiana’s “Financial State of the State.” After an intensive review of the State’s 2010 audited financial report the Institute determined the State is in a precarious financial position because it does not have the funds available to pay $11.4 billion of the State’s commitments as they come due. Each taxpayer’s share of this financial burden equals $5,700.

Indiana state law requires a balanced budget. “If governors and legislatures had truly balanced the state’s budget, no taxpayer’s financial burden would exist,” said Sheila Weinberg, founder and CEO of the Institute for Truth in Accounting (IFTA). She continued, “A state budget is not balanced if past costs, including those for employees’ retirement benefits, are pushed into the future.”
Continue reading “

Truth in Accounting Issues: Indiana’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – True Tax Burden $11.4 Billion”

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

The Joke is On Illinois Taxpayers‏

April 4, 2011 by

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

Happy April Fools’ Day, indeed! While last Friday was meant to be a fun day for trickery, sometimes it seems like every day in Illinois politics is April Fools’ Day. Over the past three months, there has been an abundance of foolish policies and every time the joke is on taxpayers: the largest tax hike in state history, $1.7 billion in spending increases and a proposed $8 billion in borrowing. The only way to stop all this foolishness is by taking the message that there is a better way to one person at a time. One conversation, one phone call, one letter, one email: that’s how we will save our state. But we need your help! Our message is appealing and our solutions are real. The people of Illinois are ready to pursue a better path; they just need a little nudge from you!

Help us fight foolishness in Illinois. Forward this info to ten people today!
Continue reading “

The Joke is On Illinois Taxpayers‏”

Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - Liberals - Mackinac Center - Michigan - Public Employees Unions - Republicans - Taxes - Teachers Unions - Unions - Warner Todd Huston

Mich. Teachers Assoc. Features Photo of Gov. Snyder as Devil on Facebook Page

March 31, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

The Mackinac Center for Public Policy has a devil of a story. It appears that the Michigan Education Association was hosting a photo of Michigan Governor Rick Snyder replete with bloodspatters and occult symbols making the governor out to be the devil. (See image below)

The Mackinac Center alerted the MEA about the offensive image that had been on the page since March 11 and the teachers group claimed they had no idea it was there and did not put it there themselves.

How it is that such an image can for days be on the MEA’s official Facebook page and the organization not knowing it is rather absurd.

“We do monitor our page — unfortunately, we missed this one (items move down the Facebook feed pretty quickly, so if we miss it, it can get buried fast),” Pratt said in an email. “We’ve deleted the item. Thank you for bringing it to our attention.”

Remember, folks, THESE are the sort of people “teaching” our children!

Continue reading “

Mich. Teachers Assoc. Features Photo of Gov. Snyder as Devil on Facebook Page”

Illinois - Sam Adams Alliance - Warner Todd Huston

2011 Sammies Awards, April 8

March 30, 2011 by

From the Sam Adams Alliance…

2010 was the year activists redrew the battle lines in American politics, erasing “R” and “D,” fusing red and blue, blurring conservative and liberal, and creating bright contrast between political professional and citizen.

The Sammies celebrates ordinary Americans who take extraordinary steps to advance our freedoms.

This year, SAM will recognize their achievements with new categories, more prizes, and the best party we have ever thrown!

These extraordinary Americans help all of us relate to citizenship on a personal level, and inspire us all to re-imagine how we can engage in our democracy.

Reserve your spot by clicking here or by calling our office at 312-920-0080.

Featured Speaker, John Stossel of Fox Business

Watchdog. Reformer. Irreverent Messenger. These are not just award categories. They capture the essence of John Stossel, and SAM could not be more delighted to announce John Stossel of Stossel on FOX Business as our keynote speaker at the 2011 Sammies.

Elections - Government - Illinois - Illinois State Government - United Republican Fund - Warner Todd Huston

URF Stands with Rep Senger and HB3156

March 25, 2011 by

From the United Republican Fund of Illinois…

Commonsense Bill Supports Women’s Health in Their Time of Need

WINFIELD, IL – The United Republican Fund of Illinois, Inc. (URF) stands with Rep. Darlene Senger (R-Naperville), who has introduced legislation in Springfield that would raise abortion clinics health standards to be comparable to other outpatient surgical centers. This commonsense legislation passed out of the House committee with unanimous, bipartisan support, despite bewildering opposition by the ACLU and women’s rights groups.

“How could anyone that claims to be concerned about women’s health oppose raising reproductive health care clinic standards to a basic level?” URF Executive Director Dennis LaComb said Wednesday. “We applaud Rep. Senger’s logical actions, and urge any lawmaker concerned about their constituents’ health care to support giving Illinois women the best possible medical care during their time of need.”
Continue reading “

URF Stands with Rep Senger and HB3156″

Budget - Cook County Board - Democrats/Leftists - GOP - Government - Illinois Policy Institute - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Liberty Leader Watchdogs Find Excessive Government Compensation‏

March 25, 2011 by

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

Using FOIA to Discover Extreme Executive Compensation
Ever wonder what’s in the compensation packages of the top government administrative officials in your hometown?

If you look, you are likely to find bonuses, sick pay, car stipends, gym memberships, multiple pension plans, housing assistance, and much more.

Liberty Leaders Craig Mijares and Nancy Thorner have been digging up details and are taxpayer heroes for getting information out to the public on excessive executive compensation of public officials in their hometowns. Learn to be a taxpayer watchdog, too, by reading how Craig and Nancy discovered shocking levels of executive compensation in their own backyards. Read more here.
Continue reading “

Liberty Leader Watchdogs Find Excessive Government Compensation‏”

Chicago - Constitution - Democrats/Leftists - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Republicans - Transparency - Truth in Accounting - Warner Todd Huston

Legislation Calls for More Transparency and Accountability During the Illinois Budget Process

March 20, 2011 by

From the Institute for Truth in Accounting…

(Chicago, March 18, 2011) — State Representative Mike Tryon (IL-64th District) has introduced the Long-Term Accounting Act into the Illinois legislature. The Act calls for increased timeliness, transparency and accountability during the state budgeting process.

“Not knowing the long term consequences of the Illinois budget has put our state $100 billion in the hole,” said Sheila Weinberg, Founder and CEO of the Institute for Truth in Accounting, which assisted in the drafting of the bill. “We can’t determine the best plan to get us out until we are honest about how big the hole is.”
Continue reading “

Legislation Calls for More Transparency and Accountability During the Illinois Budget Process”

Americans For Prosperity - Democrats/Leftists - Ethics - Government - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - State Government

Success: ‘Pay to Play’ Appointee Careen Gordon Steps Down‏

March 20, 2011 by

From Americans for Prosperity, Illinois…

Thank you to all our members who sent letters to the Senate Executive Committee requesting that they vote on the “Pay to Play” appointment of Careen Gordon.

In four short days, we generated over 5,000 letters to the Senate Executive Appointment Committee expressing outrage at what appeared to be the “Pay to Play’ style of politics that led to the appointment of Careen Gordon to the Prisoner Review Board.

Due to mounting pressure from AFP members such as yourself, the Senate Executive Appointments Committee finally scheduled hearings that were to begin on Thursday March 17th.
Continue reading “

Success: ‘Pay to Play’ Appointee Careen Gordon Steps Down‏”

Freedom Works - Warner Todd Huston

Help Launch this Ad, Beat the Unions‏

March 19, 2011 by

From Freedomworks…

All across the country, state budgets are dripping in red ink from years of public sector union extortion.

And in many states, bold conservative lawmakers are breaking this stranglehold by pushing legislation to curb collective bargaining powers for public employees.

The Big Labor backlash has been swift and severe. But FreedomWorks, with your help, is rolling out a massive program — including hard-hitting TV ads — to fight back!
Continue reading “

Help Launch this Ad, Beat the Unions‏”