Illinois

Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Liberals - Nevada - Taxes - Truth in Accounting - Warner Todd Huston

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

January 21, 2011 by

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”

Budget - Capitalism - Congress - Conservatives - Constitution - Democrats/Leftists - Elections - GOP - Government - Health - House of Representatives - Illinois - Jobs - Liberals - Peter Roskam - Regulation - Republicans - Taxes - The Law - Warner Todd Huston

Roskam Votes To Rescue Economy From Job-Destroying Healthcare Bill

January 20, 2011 by

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”

Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Ethics - For The Good Of Illinois - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Michael Madigan - Pat Quinn - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Big Bonding‏

January 20, 2011 by

From For The Good Of Illinois…

“You can’t be for big government, big taxes, and big bureaucracy and still be for the little guy,” Ronald Reagan.

Springfield just hiked your taxes while increasing spending and ignoring any spending cuts.

Even after the largest tax hike in Illinois history, the budget still has an estimated $2 billion shortfall. What’s the plan to cover this shortfall? A pay day loan – $14.2 billion of new government debt. If you want to see significant cuts in Illinois spending, make sure you stop the massive “Big Bonding”. Click here to find out why.

Don’t let them stick you with their bill.
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Big Bonding‏”

Alabama - Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Liberals - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Truth in Accounting Issues: Alabama’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – True Tax Burden $19.9 Billion

January 20, 2011 by

From the Institute for Truth in Accounting…

Chicago (November 29, 2010) Today, the Institute for Truth in Accounting released Alabama’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 almost $19.9 billion of the State’s commitments as they come due. Each taxpayer’s share of this financial burden equals $15,400.

Alabama 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: Alabama’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – True Tax Burden $19.9 Billion”

Anti-Americanism - Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois State Government - Indiana - Liberals - Republicans - Taxes - Tea Party - Warner Todd Huston

Do We Need ‘Civil Disobedience’ In Illinois? One Blogger Thinks So

January 19, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Tom Mannis of Chicago News Bench says the time has come for civil disobedience in Illinois. With the recent steep climb in income taxes bequeathed us by Illinois Democrats it is painfully obvious that our politicians in Illinois don’t care much about us. It is obvious, too, that they have a single-minded intention to destroy every last job in the state… well, except, perhaps, the jobs offered by state government and the odd union and ACORN office, anyway.

Sure the Illinois GOP voted against the giant tax hike. But some feel that was just a smoke screen and that they are secretly happy with the move.

For his part Mannis wonders where the heck the Tea Party was during this recent wild tax hike. “In Illinois,” he says, “they seemed to be asleep at the wheel in the days leading up to voting in the State Legislature for one of the worst tax hikes ever.”

But civil disobedience?
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Do We Need ‘Civil Disobedience’ In Illinois? One Blogger Thinks So”

Barack Obama - Budget - Congress - Constitution - Democrats/Leftists - GOP - Government - Health - House of Representatives - Illinois - Liberals - Peter Roskam - Regulation - Republicans - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

The Debate Begins Today‏

January 19, 2011 by

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”

Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Liberals - Minnesota - Taxes - Truth in Accounting - Warner Todd Huston

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

January 19, 2011 by

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”

Crime - Democrats/Leftists - Government - Judges - Law - Liberals - Supreme Court - Warner Todd Huston

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

January 18, 2011 by

-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?”

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

Illinois Truth in Accounting Workshop Educates Legislators‏

January 18, 2011 by

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”

Budget - Business - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Government - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Michael Madigan - Pat Quinn - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Update on the Tax Increase

January 18, 2011 by

From the Raise Your Hand for Illinois Public Education Coalition…

Thanks to all of you who helped to send over 5,500 emails via our “No Taxation Without Education” campaign. Unfortunately, we got taxation without education and just a “promise” from our Governor to include $250 million for education in this year’s budget. Of course, we won’t believe that until it’s in writing. There was some support for increased money for education in the state senate, led by the Black Caucus, but we were told in Springfield that Mike Madigan and the House were not supporting additional money for education or anything else and wanted new revenue to go towards paying off our roughly $15 billion in debt and $8 billion in late bills, and that’s what we got. There was another opportunity for education money through the cigarette tax which would have generated $377 million for education but this was voted down in the House as well with only 51 legislators in support, and 60 votes needed to pass. While this isn’t the outcome we wanted, this $6 billion in new revenue to pay down our debt will likely result in fewer cuts to CPS next year. Clearly, we can’t be content with this and we need to continue to do everything we can to advocate for improved and sustainable funding for education in Illinois.

As you all know, we are currently 49th in the nation in terms of state spending on education. Our state covers roughly 30% of the cost of educating a child, as compared to about 50% on average. Local municipalities are left to fund the rest through property taxes, resulting in unsustainable and inequitable funding.
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Update on the Tax Increase”

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

Happy New Years from Downtown Chicago Democrats

January 15, 2011 by

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”

Budget - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Elections - Ethics - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Michael Madigan - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Crook County, Illinois: Fake State Rep Casts Deciding Vote to Raise Our Taxes

January 14, 2011 by 1 Comment

-By Warner Todd Huston

She didn’t know anything about the bill. She never read it. She hadn’t been given any cheat sheets, facts sheets, talking points, or mass emails on the bill. But in true, corrupt Chicago fashion, she voted “yes” on it just as she was told to do by her corrupt party bosses.

Even worse, she was only a “state rep” because someone told her to drive to the state capitol for a week to “be” one. As Andy Shaw joked, Williams became the “somebody that somebody sent.”*

It is business as usual for Illinois, the most corrupt state in the Union.

You see, fake State Rep Kathy Moore of Lincoln Park was drafted by Illinois Democratic Party bosses to fill out the last week of elected State Rep John Fritchey’s term in office. Fritchey was elected to a spot on the Crook County Board and left his state rep seat to take that chair last November. So, Democrats fretted that Fritchey’s 11th District seat would be empty during this important vote to wildly raise everyone’s taxes.
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Crook County, Illinois: Fake State Rep Casts Deciding Vote to Raise Our Taxes”

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

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

January 14, 2011 by

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”

Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Michael Madigan - Pat Quinn - Senate - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

90 Democrats – and No Republicans – Voted to Raise Your Taxes

January 13, 2011 by

From the Illinois GOP…

In the remaining hours of the lame duck Illinois General Assembly last night and early this morning, ninety (90) Democratic State Legislators – and NO REPUBLICANS – voted for the largest tax increase in Illinois history, including a 67% income tax increase.

The tax hike now goes to Democratic Governor Pat Quinn, who, despite having promised in his recent campaign to veto any increase above 1%, will sign it into law.

Below is a list of the 90 Democratic State Legislators who voted to raise your taxes and their legislative office phone numbers.

State Representatives
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90 Democrats – and No Republicans – Voted to Raise Your Taxes”

Arizona - Crime - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Peter Roskam - Republicans - Warner Todd Huston

Roskam Remarks on Resolution Condemning Attack of Rep. Giffords

January 13, 2011 by

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”

Democrats/Leftists - Government - Illinois - Law - Liberals - Pat Quinn - Warner Todd Huston

Will Governor Quinn’s Inaugural Dance Be With the Trial Lawyers?

January 13, 2011 by

From the Illinois Civil Justice League…

Email Gov. Quinn Today to Demand Lawsuit Reform in 2011

Gov. Pat Quinn’s inauguration this week will be the highlight of Springfield’s new governing year, but many Illinois residents are left asking if much will change.

Especially when it comes to Illinois’ abusive lawsuit climate.

As Gov. Quinn takes to the dance floor to celebrate, Illinoisans across the state are still under the cloak of an unjust legal system, and many wonder — will Gov. Quinn’s first dance be with the trial lawyers?
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Will Governor Quinn’s Inaugural Dance Be With the Trial Lawyers?”

Congress - Conservatives - DuPage County - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Joe Walsh - Lake County - Republicans - Warner Todd Huston

Congressman Joe Walsh (8th District) Townhall Meeting

January 12, 2011 by 1 Comment

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.

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

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

January 12, 2011 by

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’”

GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Republicans - Senate - Warner Todd Huston

Illinois: Strange Case of the State Rep for One Day

January 11, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Russell Geisler was an Illinois State Representative from the 105th District… for one day.

You see, when the 24-hour stint occurred Geisler was an aide to State Rep Shane Cultra of the 105. Cultra was appointed by the party to fill State Senator Dan Rutherford’s vacated seat because Dan was elected to the State Treasurer’s office. Since Cultra left his seat to take his appointed Senate seat, that left the 105’s state rep seat empty until the new legislature was sworn in and the next man could that the 105’s seat.

So, Cultra thought that instead of leaving the 105 unrepresented for the last day of the session, he’d appoint his aide to the seat. And that is exactly what he did.

This isn’t a sudden story, though. Cultra announced that he had plans to do this weeks ago.

His plan did not meet with the approval of everyone in his party, however. Some Republicans have been grumbling that the idea is a slight to the voting process and treats the State Rep’s seat in a trivial manner.

Geisler’s big vote was to take away from seniors the free rides on the CTA.
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Illinois: Strange Case of the State Rep for One Day”

Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Elections - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Republicans - Senate - Taxes - United Republican Fund - Warner Todd Huston

URF to Primary Illinois Republican Legislators That Vote for Tax Increase

January 11, 2011 by

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”

Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Government - Liberals - Michigan - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

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

January 11, 2011 by

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”

Chicago - Crime - Tea Party - Warner Todd Huston

Breakaway Chicago Tea Party ‘Bomb Scare’ A Hoax?

January 10, 2011 by

-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?”

Budget - Chicago - Cook County - Cook County Board - Dan Patlak - Government - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Law - Property Rights - Property Taxes - Regulation - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Board of Review Opens Six Townships for Appeal

January 10, 2011 by

From the Office of Commissioner Dan Patlak…

CHICAGO— The Cook County Board of Review has announced dates for filing assessment appeal complaints for property owners in Barrington, Berwyn, Bremen, Calumet, Lakeview, and Evanston Townships. The filing dates for property assessment appeals begin on Tuesday, January 11, 2011 and will end on Thursday, February 10, 2011.

Property owners may appeal their assessments to the Board if they believe that their assessment is too high. A lawyer is not required to file an appeal on behalf of a residential property owner.

Anyone interested in receiving an assessment appeal complaint form can call the Cook County Board of Review at 312-603-5542. Appeal complaint forms can also be picked up in person at the Board, 118 N. Clark in Chicago or printed from our website at www.CookCountyBoardofReview.com.
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Board of Review Opens Six Townships for Appeal”

Budget - Chicago - Democrats/Leftists - For The Good Of Illinois - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Pat Quinn - Senate - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

A 75% tax hike? Make Democrats Own It!‏

January 9, 2011 by

From For The Good of Illinois…

“The taxpayer: That’s someone who works for the government but doesn’t have to take the civil service examination.”
– Ronald Reagan.

Do Illinois Democrats hate the private sector? Yesterday, they put their cards on the table. They want to hike our taxes by 75%- a NEAR DOUBLING of the income tax! They will increase the corporate tax rate to 10.9% the second highest in the country! On top of all this, they plan to increase spending and borrow up to $20 Billion more!

Call your state representatives. Look up their name and phone number.

No Republicans should vote for the tax hike! Click here to read our message to all Republican legislators- MAKE DEMOCRATS OWN IT.
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A 75% tax hike? Make Democrats Own It!‏”

Chicago - Congress - Crime - DuPage County - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Peter Roskam - Republicans - Warner Todd Huston

Ill. Congressman Roskam Condemns Horrifying Attack on Member of Congress, Staff, and General Public

January 8, 2011 by 1 Comment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Republican Chief Deputy Whip Congressman Peter Roskam released the following statement after the senseless attack against Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ), members of her staff, and members of the general public:

“Today’s attack against Rep. Giffords, members of her staff, and citizens interacting with their representative in the Tucson area, is horrifying and devastating, and I condemn it in the strongest of terms. Attacks of this kind, in our democratic society, simply cannot stand. My thoughts and prayers are with all those injured and their families in this senseless attack.”

Budget - Chicago - Constitution - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Elections - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Michael Madigan - Pat Quinn - Senate - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Illinois 75% Income Tax Hike on Hold, But Not For Long – ACT NOW!

January 8, 2011 by 1 Comment

-By Warner Todd Huston

Democrat Speaker of the House Michael Madigan adjourned the lame duck session in Springfield today without coming to a final floor vote on Governor Pat Quinn’s 75% raise in the State’s income tax. Obviously he didn’t have the votes to pass it.

Madigan and his waste-loving Democrats will spend the next few days twisting arms and pushing state legislators to sign onto the further destruction of the state’s finances all in an effort to continue giving paybacks and special, sweetheart deals to the State’s public employees unions.

The legislature may be reconvened Sunday to take a vote if Madigan can get enough votes together.

Republican Minority Leader Tom Cross said Friday that the Democrats have made little headway in identifying cuts in order to balance the budget. “They fall woefully short on cutting and committing to not spending new money. This is the exact reason we got into this mess…If they start spending and not cutting it will be the same mess next year and the year after.”
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Illinois 75% Income Tax Hike on Hold, But Not For Long – ACT NOW!”

Budget - Chicago - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Michael Madigan - Pat Quinn - Republicans - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

NoIllinoisTaxHike.com: Sign the No Tax Petition

January 8, 2011 by

Say No to the Illinois Democrats’ 75% Tax Increase

Sign the Petition at NoIllinoisTaxHike.com

Governor Pat Quinn, Senate President John Cullerton, and Speaker Michael J. Madigan (who’s also the Chairman of the Democratic Party of Illinois) are trying to rush through a 75% Tax Increase in the final days of the lame duck session of the State Legislature.

This is the latest example of life in Illinois Madiganville.

While Illinois’ budget problems are grave, the answers lie in first attacking the excessive spending and enacting structural reforms that are needed before any new revenues are even considered. We cannot let the Democrats drive business out of Illinois and all of the jobs that go with it.

Madigan, Cullerton and Quinn talk a big game about reform and job creation, but they fundamentally lack the courage to make the tough decisions to put Illinois on solid financial footing. We are the only state in the union to push massive tax increases without accompanying spending cuts. Even other states with Democrat Governors like New York and California have recognized the need for cuts before tax increases. Reform exists everywhere but in Illinois Madiganville.

Please go to NoIllinoisTaxHike.com or to Madiganville.com to sign the online petition to send a strong and clear message to Springfield: Say No to the 75% Illinois Tax Hike!

Sponsored by the Illinois Republican Party. www.weareillinois.org

Please contact your State Representatives and tell them to VOTE NO on the tax hike. CLICK HERE for a list of our Illinois State Reps.

Chicago - Democrats/Leftists - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Republicans - Warner Todd Huston

Contact Info for State Representatives From Illinois

January 8, 2011 by 2 Comments

-By Warner Todd Huston

I have been linking to other sources for this, but I’ve noticed that some of the links on those other pages are not working correctly. So, here are the elected state representatives of the State of Illinois. this list is alphabetical by party, but noted is each representative’s district, email address, and phone number. Also, to go to the rep’s state sponsored webpage, click on their name.

Republican State Representatives

House Minority Leader: 85th District Tom Cross
tom@tomcross.com (217) 782-1331

Suzanne Bassi, 54th District
repbassi@aol.com (217) 782-8026

Mark Beaubien, 52nd District
strepmbeaubien@sbcglobal.net (217) 782-1517

Patricia Bellock, 47th District
rep@pbellock.com (217) 782-1448

Bob Biggins, 41st District
bobbiggins@comcast.net (217) 782-6578
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Contact Info for State Representatives From Illinois”

Chicago - Crime - Democrats/Leftists - Government - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Warner Todd Huston

Jailed Ill. Gov. Released for Sympathy Visit with Dying Wife

January 7, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

It is being reported that jailed former Illinois Governor George Ryan is being allowed a sympathy visit with his dying wife, Laura Lynn. The former governor will be allowed a 2-hour-long visit Wednesday.

Ryan’s lawyers have for months been trying to get the disgraced governor released from jail to be with his dying wife, but to no avail. They have been successful, at least, in arranging this last visit.

The government, however, has not extended any special favors to Ryan. His last visit with his wife went through the normal procedures for such requests.
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Jailed Ill. Gov. Released for Sympathy Visit with Dying Wife”

Chicago - Democrats/Leftists - Ethics - Government - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Warner Todd Huston

Want Proof That Our Legislature is too Often Filled With Idiots?

January 4, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

The Chicago Tribune had one of those ubiquitous year-end pieces to inform us about how some thing or another ended up as the year came to a close. On Dec. 30 the Trib gave us a little round up of some of the really stupid, useless, pointless new laws that our wonderful state representatives in Springfield worked so hard to give to us in 2010.

As the Trib notes, our state budget is in practical bankruptcy and while our stalwart politicians have failed to do a single thing about it, they haven’t been completely idle. Oh, no. They’ve been very busy with the important work of the state.

Yes, they’ve been diligently working for you and me, don’t you know? They have been hard at work passing those most important laws, new rules that will surely make all our lives better.
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Want Proof That Our Legislature is too Often Filled With Idiots?”