Roskam On Failed Stimulus Birthday Eve: We Don’t Need a Budget Like the Stimulus

From the office of Congressman Peter Roskam (6th District)…

Roskam: “The President recently said that people were getting impatient about the pace of reform and that things weren’t changing fast enough. Yeah, two years out people are plenty impatient. You bet your life they’re impatient.”

WASHINGTON – Chief Deputy Whip Peter Roskam (IL-06) released the following video on the eve of the second anniversary of President Obama signing the trillion dollar “stimulus” law. The White House promised that the “stimulus” would prevent unemployment from rising above 8%. Two years later, and for 22 months straight, national unemployment remains at or above 9%:

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Roskam On Failed Stimulus Birthday Eve: We Don’t Need a Budget Like the Stimulus”


Kinzinger and Kirk’s First Order of Business in Congress: Get Spending Under Control

From the office of Congressman Adam Kinzinger (11th District)…

Washington, D.C. — A little over a month after his swearing-in to Congress, U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger (IL-11) today introduced the Spending Control Act, legislation that will force Congress to control federal spending.

“I’m pleased to join my colleague, Senator Mark Kirk (IL), to introduce legislation that will work toward ending the Washington spending spree,” said Representative Kinzinger. “We have tough decisions to make and the Spending Control Act will force both sides to roll up our sleeves in order to implement these solutions that will get our economy back on solid ground while living within our means.”
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Kinzinger and Kirk’s First Order of Business in Congress: Get Spending Under Control”


Introducing the Village of Palatine’s Executive Leadership Program

From the Palatine Tea Party

(Palatine, Illinois) – Introducing the Village of Palatine’s Leadership Program Brought to you by …YOU the Hardworking, Trying to Make Ends Meet, Taxpayer.

The Palatine Tea Party has discovered an Executive Leadership Program available at the Village of Palatine. This benefit program is in addition to standard benefits. The annual cost to the taxpayer is approximately $226,916 for 13 employees as the program is outlined below.
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Introducing the Village of Palatine’s Executive Leadership Program”


Mayor Buys Clothes With City $$: Needless Expense is why they Raised Taxes in Palatine

From the Palatine Tea Party…

(Palatine, Illinois) – The Palatine Tea Party obtained details of the Village of Palatine Mayor Jim Schwantz and Councilman Aaron Del Mar buying Apparel using taxpayer dollars. We have released the supporting details including: voided check, disbursement account details, check request, invoice, and several pictures.
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Mayor Buys Clothes With City $$: Needless Expense is why they Raised Taxes in Palatine”


Truth in Accounting Issues: Alaska’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – True Tax Burden $555 Million

From the Institute for Truth in Accounting…

Chicago (November 29, 2010) Today, the Institute for Truth in Accounting released Alaska’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 $555 million of the State’s commitments as they come due. Each taxpayer’s share of this financial burden equals $1,900.

Alaska 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.”
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Truth in Accounting Issues: Alaska’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – True Tax Burden $555 Million”


Celebrating Reagan’s Legacy‏

From Congressman Peter Roskam (Ill., 6th District)…

This Sunday, February 6, marks the late President Ronald Reagan’s 100th birthday. Particularly given our country’s current economic challenges, it is fitting we take some time to reflect on the legacy of this great American.

When President Reagan took office in January of 1981, our country was experiencing great hardships – not unlike today, he faced an economic recession and record unemployment. However, unlike the current Administration, President Reagan approached these challenges with a conviction that the American people could pick themselves up – as long as government stayed out of the way.

Take a minute to watch this video from the Heritage Foundation:

Reagan’s years in the White House were marked by a determined drive to shrink the size and cost of government and make America strong again. As a result, he ushered in one of the greatest periods of prosperity in the history of the United States.
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Celebrating Reagan’s Legacy‏”


Cook County Property Tax Information‏

From the office of Cook County Commissioner Timothy O. Schneider…

2011 Forest Preserve Calendars

Still looking for a 2011 calendar? We have free calendars provided by the Cook County Forest Preserve available at our district office. Call our district office for a calendar (847) 640-1632

Hanover Township Property Tax Reassessments

Hanover township reassessment notices where mailed out on January 10, 2011. Reassessment notices contain proposed values that will be reflected on second-installment tax bills, which will be due in the fall of 2011. However, the time to file appeals on these proposed assessments is now. The deadline to file appeals for properties located in Hanover Township is February 10, 2011.
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Cook County Property Tax Information‏”


Roskam Statement on January Jobs Report

From Congressman Peter Roskam (Ill., 6th District)…

Washington, DC – Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL), Majority Chief Deputy Whip, issued the following statement after the Department of Labor released their January jobs report:

“President Obama and Democrats promised that if we just spent a trillion dollars on the ‘stimulus’, unemployment would stay below eight percent. Two years later, unemployment remains at nine percent, and our economy is still feeling the effects of the Democrats’ spending binge that brought trillions in debt, but not jobs. The 21st consecutive month of unemployment levels at nine percent or more is proof enough that it’s time to enact Republican plans to cut spending and regulation to grow jobs.
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Roskam Statement on January Jobs Report”


Twitter Accounts for the Illinois GOP Congressional Delegation

-By Warner Todd Huston

Yesterday, I announced a Twitter List of all the freshman GOP congressmen. There you can find the Twitter feed of all the new GOP senators and house reps.

Today we have all the Twiter feeds of the Illinois GOP delegation. You can find the full list here : http://twitter.com/warnerthuston/ill-gop-delegation.

Senate: Mark Kirk http://twitter.com/SenatorKirk

House of Representatives

Peter Roskam (Illinois, 6th District)
http://twitter.com/PeterRoskam

Joe Walsh (Illinois, 8th District)
http://twitter.com/JoeWalsh8th

Robert Dold (Illinois, 10th District)
http://twitter.com/ROBERTDOLD

Adam Kinzinger (Illinois, 11th District)
http://twitter.com/RepKinzinger

Judy Biggert (Illinois, 13th District)
http://twitter.com/JudyBiggert

Randy Hultgren (Illinois, 14th District)
http://twitter.com/RepHultgren

Timothy Johnson (Illinois, 15th District)

Don Manzullo (Illinois, 16th District)
http://twitter.com/donmanzullo

Bobby Schilling (Illinois, 17th District)
http://twitter.com/RepSchilling

Aaron Schock (Illinois, 18th District)
http://twitter.com/AaronSchock

John Shimkus (Illinois, 19th District)
http://twitter.com/RepShimkus
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Twitter Accounts for the Illinois GOP Congressional Delegation”


Truth in Accounting Issues: Arizona’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – True Tax Burden $10.1 Billion

From the Institute for Truth in Accounting…

Chicago (November 29, 2010) Today, the Institute for Truth in Accounting released Arizona’s “Financial State of the State.” After an intensive review of the State’s 2009 audited financial report the Institute determined the State is in a precarious financial position because it does not have the funds available to pay $10.1 billion of the State’s commitments as they come due. Each taxpayer’s share of this financial burden equals $5,700.

Arizona 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.”
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Truth in Accounting Issues: Arizona’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – True Tax Burden $10.1 Billion”


A Snap Shot of Congressional Arrogance

-By Warner Todd Huston

POLITICO posted a piece last week that shows the arrogance of our duly elected Senators in Washington D.C. After reading this piece, one gets the impression that this good old boys club is not only one that not just anyone is allowed to join but one that finds itself beyond even the voters that put them there. It is an arrogance of self-assumed stature in this great Republic that is galling and should be.

The piece, headlined “Mark Kirk not sorry for Senate ‘end zone dance,'” was all full of the tsk tsking by nose-in-the-air senators that didn’t like the fact that newly minted Senator Mark Kirk was ebullient about the GOP having won a recent legislative victory. It was gauche, these senators said, not proper, completely untoward, over-the-top, low-rent, “amateurish,”and entirely eyebrow raising.

What did Senator Kirk do to cause all this finger wagging to be unleashed like a torrent in his direction? In a news conference Kirk put on a “demeanor” that amounted to “spiking a football on the decorous Senate floor,” after the GOP defeated the Democrat’s $1.1 trillion spending bill riddled with pork, waste, and earmarks.
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A Snap Shot of Congressional Arrogance”


Roskam to Deliver Economic Speech At City Club of Chicago Tuesday

From the office of Congressman Peter Roskam (Ill., 6th District)..

BLOOMINGDALE – Majority Chief Deputy Whip Peter Roskam (IL-6) will deliver an economic speech at the City Club of Chicago this coming Tuesday, February 1st, at 12:30 pm CT. Roskam, a member of the influential Ways & Means Committee, will outline what House Republicans are doing to ensure the 112th Congress is a “cut-and-grow” Congress that eliminates wasteful spending and cuts harmful regulations, enabling private sector job growth. Roskam will offer a clear alternative to the job-destroying policies that Democrats are implementing both in Washington and in Illinois – on taxes, healthcare, trade and more.
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Roskam to Deliver Economic Speech At City Club of Chicago Tuesday”


Truth in Accounting Issues: Florida’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – True Tax Burden $23. Billion

From the Institute for Truth in Accounting…

Chicago (November 29, 2010) Today, the Institute for Truth in Accounting released Florida’s “Financial State of the State.” After an intensive review of the State’s 2009 audited financial report the Institute determined the State is in a precarious financial position because it does not have the funds available to pay more than $23.4 billion of the State’s commitments as they come due. Each taxpayer’s share of this financial burden equals $4,100.

Florida 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.”
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Truth in Accounting Issues: Florida’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – True Tax Burden $23. Billion”


Truth in Accounting Issues: New Mexico’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – True Tax Burden $7.1 Billion

From the Institute for Truth in Accounting…

Chicago (November 29, 2010) Today, the Institute for Truth in Accounting released New Mexico’s “Financial State of the State.” After an intensive review of the State’s 2009 audited financial report the Institute determined the State is in a precarious financial position because it does not have the funds available to pay more than $7.1 billion of the State’s commitments as they come due. Each taxpayer’s share of this financial burden equals $12,500.

New Mexico 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.”
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Truth in Accounting Issues: New Mexico’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – True Tax Burden $7.1 Billion”


Truth in Accounting Issues: Hawaii’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – True Tax Burden $18.2 Billion

From the Institute for Truth in Accounting…

Chicago (November 29, 2010) Today, the Institute for Truth in Accounting released Hawaii’s “Financial State of the State.” After an intensive review of the State’s 2009 audited financial report the Institute determined the State is in a precarious financial position because it does not have the funds available to pay for almost $18.2 billion of the State’s commitments as they come due. Each taxpayer’s share of this financial burden equals $39,600.

Hawaii 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.”
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Truth in Accounting Issues: Hawaii’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – True Tax Burden $18.2 Billion”


Roskam: Votes Have Been Cast‏

From Congressman Peter Roskam (Ill., 6th District)…

Last night the House of Representatives passed the Repealing the Job-Killing Health Care Law Act, 245 – 189. The “yea” votes included every House Republican and three Democrats. Read more about the vote from the Wall Street Journal by clicking HERE.

This is a victory for all Americans who believe that lowering health care costs and easing taxpayers’ burdens are critical to a sustainable health care system and economic prosperity in our country. However, the work is far from over – we still need to provide real solutions to meet those objectives.
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Roskam: Votes Have Been Cast‏”


Truth in Accounting Issues: Nevada’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – True Tax Burden $4.3 Billion

From the Institute for Truth in Accounting…

Chicago (November 29, 2010) Today, the Institute for Truth in Accounting released Nevada’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 more than $4.3 billion of the State’s commitments as they come due. Each taxpayer’s share of this financial burden equals $5,000.

Nevada 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.”
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Truth in Accounting Issues: Nevada’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – True Tax Burden $4.3 Billion”


Roskam Votes To Rescue Economy From Job-Destroying Healthcare Bill

From the office of Congressman Peter Roskam (Ill., 6th Dist.)…

Rep. Peter Roskam: “[Americans] understand that what has to happen is that businesses have to be able to thrive, and to hire, and to grow and be dynamic. If we repeal this and replace this with the type of thoughtful healthcare initiative that is going to be forthcoming, I think we will do a world of service to everybody that we’re trying to help, and that is to change this economy so that people want to hire again.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight, the House of Representatives voted 245 – 189 to pass H.R. 2, repealing the Democrats job-destroying Healthcare bill. Earlier today, Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL), the Chief Deputy Whip of the House Republican Majority, released the following video of him speaking on the House floor, and in his office, in favor of repealing the healthcare bill:

“I’m Congressman Peter Roskam, and I’m in my office here in the United States Capitol getting ready to go upstairs to the House floor.

“It’s a historic day in Washington D.C. It’s a day that is a reflection of all of the work, all of the energy and all of the speaking out that’s happened for the past year essentially. Without question the American public have said, ‘we don’t want this healthcare law jammed down our throats because it’s having an adverse impact on job creation, it’s making healthcare costs go up – let’s drop this thing.’
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Roskam Votes To Rescue Economy From Job-Destroying Healthcare Bill”


The Debate Begins Today‏

From the office of Congressman Peter Roskam…

This is an important week in Washington. As Congress goes back to work today following the tragic event in Tuscon, we do so with a critical task at hand: debate and vote on repealing Pelosicare.

Today, 200 economists sent an open letter to House and Senate leadership highlighting the law’s negative economic impacts on our country. These respected economists include former Congressional Budget Office directors, Federal Reserve economists, White House officials, and a Nobel laureate – and they’ve recognized what the American people already know. Pelosicare is bad for employers and detrimental to job growth in America.
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The Debate Begins Today‏”


Truth in Accounting Issues: Minnesota’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – Minnesota’s True Tax Burden $10.3 Billion

From the Institute for Truth in Accounting…

Chicago (November 29, 2010) Today, the Institute for Truth in Accounting released Minnesota’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 almost $10.3 billion of the State’s commitments as they come due. Each taxpayer’s share of this financial burden equals $5,600.

Minnesota 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.”
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Truth in Accounting Issues: Minnesota’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – Minnesota’s True Tax Burden $10.3 Billion”


Our Out Of Control Courts: Bankruptcy Courts Now Deciding Cases on Feelings?

-By Warner Todd Huston

One of the issues that many conservatives have focused on is our out of control court system and the constant judicial overreach that occurs therein. Here we have yet another case of a court insinuating itself into an area in which it previously never had purview and if this decision stands it will open our courts to a flood of court shopping that will turn our legal system further down the wrong road.

At least since the forced busing case of 1971 and the Roe v Wade abortion case, conservatives have been complaining about judges taking undue powers unto themselves. For decades these power mad judges have been expanding their reach to control our lives until even our state and federal legislatures have seemed to give up their rightful role as lawmakers. Once again we have a judge that has reached beyond his proper role.

The case in question is Marshall v. Marshall and, yes, once again Anna Nicole Smith is going before the U.S. Supreme Court — and from beyond the grave at that. The reason a Smith matter is again before the SCOTUS four years after her death is because one of her cases was decided by a federal bankruptcy court in California on reasons that had nothing at all to do with technical bankruptcy rules. The case before the SCOTUS would determine if the bankruptcy court acted properly.
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Our Out Of Control Courts: Bankruptcy Courts Now Deciding Cases on Feelings?”


Illinois Truth in Accounting Workshop Educates Legislators‏

From the Institute for Truth in Accounting…

Illinois Reps. Karen May & and Tom Morrison Support The Truth in Accounting Act

Illinois Rep. Karen May (D-58th District) and Rep. Tom Morrison (R-54th District) joined Sheila Weinberg, CEO and founder of Institute for Truth in Accounting at a December Legislative Workshop in Highwood. The group discussed the Illinois budget, governmental accounting rules and the use of ‘political math’ to balance the budget.

Weinberg highlighted how ‘political math’ is used to disguise Illinois’ true ‘Financial State of the State.’ ‘Over the years budget shenanigans have been used to hide more than over $120 billion of state employees’ retirement and other costs,’ Weinberg added.
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Illinois Truth in Accounting Workshop Educates Legislators‏”


Happy New Years from Downtown Chicago Democrats

From the office of State Senator Chris Lauzen (25th District)…

Majorities in 99 out of 102 counties voted for his opponent, however Governor Pat Quinn declares that he has a mandate to raise our taxes. If the State of Illinois spent what we currently sacrifice in taxes prudently and ethically, the Governor and his enablers in the Legislature might be able to make their case against my assessment that we are “taxed enough already”.

Illinois Medicaid eligibility levels substantially higher than averages, grants for favorite pork projects like Oswego Park District’s purchase and bulldozing of perfectly good and property-tax-paying homes, and unsustainable public employee pensions are all examples of cuts to unnecessary government spending that have not been made. It is no secret that public employee unions provided the money and manpower to get Quinn elected; now “to the victors to the spoils” . . . at your expense . . . during already difficult times for most taxpaying families in Illinois.

During the election, Pat Quinn claimed that he had cut state spending by $3 Billion. This is false – – some people would say it is a deliberate campaign lie. According to a report (that I would be happy to provide you) that his own Budget Office sent last summer to New York bankers and bond rating agencies, Quinn has actually increased spending $1 Billion. I would think that he would be embarrassed by a $4 B error, and that the Establishment Press would scold him every time he lied. Did you know that Quinn promised the state’s employee union that there will be no layoffs for them for the next two years? He did accept their endorsement and did cash their campaign contribution check.
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Happy New Years from Downtown Chicago Democrats”


Truth in Accounting Issues: Louisiana’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – True Tax Burden $24.7 Billion

From the Institute for Truth in Accounting…

Chicago (November 29, 2010) Today, the Institute for Truth in Accounting released Louisiana’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 more than $24.7 billion of the State’s commitments as they come due. Each taxpayer’s share of this financial burden equals $19,800.

Louisiana 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.”

While Louisiana reported total assets of $45.4 billion, the Institute’s review of the state’s 2010 financial report revealed that there is more than $16.9 billion of off-balance sheet retirement liabilities. More than $30.8 billion of the State’s assets cannot be easily converted to cash to pay State bills of $39.4 billion as they come due. These assets consist of capital assets, including infrastructure, buildings and land, and assets the use of which is restricted by law or contract. The State does not have the funds needed to pay for more than $24.7 billion of state obligations.
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Truth in Accounting Issues: Louisiana’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – True Tax Burden $24.7 Billion”


Roskam Remarks on Resolution Condemning Attack of Rep. Giffords

From the office of Congressman Peter Roskam (R,ILL)…

Rep. Peter Roskam: “…I think as we all reflect on the gift that we’ve been given, we have a great example in Gabrielle Giffords of somebody who understands the nature of democracy, and a real willingness to serve. And we wish her the very best and pray for her complete recovery.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Peter Roskam (R-IL), the Chief Deputy Whip of the House Republican Majority, made the following remarks on the House floor this morning regarding House Resolution 32:

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Roskam Remarks on Resolution Condemning Attack of Rep. Giffords”


Congressman Joe Walsh (8th District) Townhall Meeting

From the office of Congressman Joe Walsh (8th District)…

Congressman Walsh of Illinois’ 8th District will be holding an open to the public town hall Wednesday night, January 12th from 7-8:30pm in Wauconda, IL. Walsh will discuss his first week in Congress, the upcoming House agenda, and the events in Arizona over the weekend. Walsh looks forward to answering constituent questions on these and any topics.

“What happened in Arizona Saturday was tragic. I’d like to honor Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords by doing what she loves to do and what I love to do, which is meeting with and speaking with my constituents” said Walsh.

All are welcome. The town hall will be held at the Wauconda Township Hall, located at 505 W. Bonner Road from 7-8:30pm Wednesday night.


Truth in Accounting Issues: North Carolina’s ‘Financial State of the State’

From the Institute for Truth in Accounting…

Chicago (November 29, 2010) Today, the Institute for Truth in Accounting released North Carolina’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 $43.4 billion of the State’s commitments as they come due. Each taxpayer’s share of this financial burden equals $16,300.

North Carolina 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.”
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Truth in Accounting Issues: North Carolina’s ‘Financial State of the State’”


URF to Primary Illinois Republican Legislators That Vote for Tax Increase

From the URF…

WINFIELD, IL – The United Republican Fund (URF) has announced that they will aid in the recruiting and support of primary challengers to any Republican member of the Illinois General Assembly that votes in favor of raising taxes during this lame duck session.

“The problem is not a lack of revenue,” said Mike Uremovich, President of the URF. “The problem is spending, which the Governor and Legislature continue to increase.” According to the non-partisan Illinois Policy Institute, real spending by the Illinois General Assembly rose more than 26% between 2000 and 2009 after adjusting for inflation. “We don’t need to raise taxes; we need to cut spending from a budget that has exploded. Raising taxes as this state struggles to come out of a recession is economic suicide.”
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URF to Primary Illinois Republican Legislators That Vote for Tax Increase”


Truth in Accounting Issues: Michigan’s ‘Financial State of the State,’ True Burden $50.1 Billion

From the Institute for Truth in Accounting…

Chicago (January 6, 2011) — Today, the Institute for Truth in Accounting released Michigan’s “Financial State of the State.” After an intensive review of the State’s 2009 audited financial report the Institute determined the State is in a precarious financial position because it does not have the funds available to pay more than $50.1 billion of the State’s commitments as they come due. Each taxpayer’s share of this financial burden equals $16,400.

Michigan 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.” The Institute reviewed 2009 data because the September 30, 2010 financial reports for Michigan have not yet been made available. Weinberg added, “How can legislators and the governor be making decisions without timely financial data?”
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Truth in Accounting Issues: Michigan’s ‘Financial State of the State,’ True Burden $50.1 Billion”


Breakaway Chicago Tea Party ‘Bomb Scare’ A Hoax?

-By Warner Todd Huston

Weeks ago the chief of a breakaway chapter of the Chicago Tea Party Catherina Wojtowicz sent out an email blast making the claim that her group’s December meeting was interrupted by a fire. She breathlessly styled the incident as an arson attempt and assumed that the incident was meant somehow to “silence” her Tea Party group. But Tom Mannis of Chicago News Bench did a little follow up on the story and he thinks that the whole incident is overblown and more evidence of an attempt by Wojtowicz to get in the news than a report of an actual attack on the Tea Party group.

Now it is clear that something happened that day in Dugan’s Irish Pub. There was clearly some sort of small fire that caused some smoke. But there is no follow up on this incident to prove that it was some sort of attack. Dugan’s doesn’t seem to have made any reports, the media sure didn’t pick up on it, and the police don’t think there’s much reason to be alarmed.

It is impossible at this date to say what happened. But it is clear that there was no “bomb threat,” and no real attempt at the Tea Party being “arsoned,” as Catherina Wojtowicz termed it.
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Breakaway Chicago Tea Party ‘Bomb Scare’ A Hoax?”