Illinois

Adam Kinzinger - Budget - Congress - Democrats/Leftists - GOP - Government - Health - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Medicare - Medicine - President - Republicans - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Kinzinger on ‘Mediscare’

May 27, 2011 by

From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R, ILL)…

“Social Security and Medicare are the electric third rails of American politics. Touch them and you can expect reprisal. It’s hard to have an intelligent discussion when one side is determined to scare the bejabbers out of people.

“U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Manteno, has taken to calling such tactics ‘Mediscare.’ We agree.”

Kankakee Daily Journal Editorial: Years of Security

Adjusting the time payments begin might be one compromise
Continue reading “

Kinzinger on ‘Mediscare’”

Adam Kinzinger - Budget - Congress - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Government - Health - House of Representatives - Illinois - Liberals - Medicaid - Medicare - President - Senate - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Congress Must Work Together to Reform and Save Medicare for Future Generations

May 26, 2011 by

From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (R, ILL)…

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-11), last night appeared on “America’s Nightly Scoreboard” on Fox Business to discuss the Senate Democrats’ failure to produce a budget or to work with House Republicans to save Medicare less than two weeks after the bi-partisan Medicare Trustees produced a report that said Medicare will be exhausted five years earlier than anticipated. Kinzinger also discussed job creation in Illinois.

On whether Senate Democrats plan to address entitlements

The big key is it’s been 755 days since Senate Democrats have passed a budget.

This is something we’re supposed to do every year. We have a responsibility out here, a responsibility to pass a budget.
Continue reading “

Congress Must Work Together to Reform and Save Medicare for Future Generations”

Budget - Chicago - Conservatives - Dan Rutherford - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - GOP - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Republicans - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Will Illinois Be America’s Greece?

May 25, 2011 by

The chief fiscal officer of tax-and-spend Illinois is preparing to warn lenders that allowing it to borrow any more money would be a major risk. Will his be the first state to go bankrupt?

Treasurer Dan Rutherford is a Republican in a very blue state, and the usual critics will say his warning is political grandstanding. We think the guy who counts Illinois’ money has simply embraced fiscal reality and sanity in shouting from the financial rooftops: “Don’t help us anymore; we can’t afford it.”

Rutherford on Monday said the state was in a deep hole and needed to stop digging and that he was willing to contact all the major bond houses and warn them that lending Illinois more money would be a “major risk.”

“If I need to send letters to the rating companies to tell them the treasurer of Illinois is opposed to more borrowing, I’m going to do it,” Rutherford said. “We need to cut our spending and break our unsustainable borrowing cycle before we realize a further financial disaster.”…

Read the rest at Investors.com.

Budget - Business - Capitalism - Coal - Congress - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Energy - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Liberals - Nuclear Power - Oil - Peter Roskam - President - Republicans - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Fed Up With The Price At The Pump?

May 25, 2011 by

This new video from the House Energy Action Team, a group of House Republicans dedicated to pushing the Administration to adopt commonsense energy policies, does a fine job to elucidate some of the problems we face in our energy sector.

More on the House Energy Action Team (HEAT): The Goal is to present a clear message of viable energy policy alternatives that are clearly communicated to the American public. H.E.A.T. will clearly demonstrate that House Republicans are on the side of the consuming public and business community who are increasingly harmed by the high energy prices.

In short: H.E.A.T. will convey that robust domestic energy production creates thousands of good jobs and enhances our national security.

Republican Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R, Calif.) and Chief Deputy Whip Peter Roskam (R, Ill) are co-chairs of H.E.A.T.

Anti-Semitism - Congress - Conservatives - Foreign Countries - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Israel - Palestinians - Peter Roskam - Republicans - Warner Todd Huston

Roskam Applauds Netanyahu Speech

May 25, 2011 by

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

Roskam: “As our strongest ally and only democratic friend in a deeply troubled region, America must stand with our friend Israel and reject any moves that diminish our special relationship.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Peter Roskam, Chief Deputy Whip, issued the following statement after Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech to a Joint Meeting of Congress today:
Continue reading “

Roskam Applauds Netanyahu Speech”

Anti-Americanism - Budget - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Government - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Pat Quinn - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Political Corruption: An Illinois Specialty

May 24, 2011 by 1 Comment

-By Warner Todd Huston

In just one more example of the thousands of examples of political graft in Illinois, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that being a board member of the Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board is one giant no-show, do-nothing pay off to friends, family, and allies of Illinois’ Democrats. Members make up to $100,000 a year to do practically nothing on this useless board and we, the people, are paying through the nose for it all.

Members of this board have a grueling yearly schedule, indeed. They meet once a month. Well, “meet” is relative as rules allow them to just phone it in… literally… as members constantly “attend” the meetings by listening in over the phone. So, yes, they are paid up to $100,000 a year to make a phone call once a month.

Even so, maybe you’d think that their actual duties are time consuming aside from that big once a month meeting? Not according to the Post-Dispatch. You see, the board also has full time, paid staffers that assemble all the reports and then make the recommendations for the board members to vote on. When the members “meet” they usually just rubber stamp the work of the paid staffers.
Continue reading “

Political Corruption: An Illinois Specialty”

al Qaeda - Congress - Hamas - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Islam - Islamofascism - Israel - Jews - Judaism - Palestinians - Peter Roskam - Republicans - Taliban - Terrorism - Warner Todd Huston

We Need to Stand with Israel‏

May 24, 2011 by

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (R, 6th District)…

As I watched the President’s Middle East speech last week, I was pleased to see him affirm America’s support for human rights in the Arab world in light of the Arab Spring.

However, his comments on prerequisites that Israel must offer for peace were downright troubling – and sided squarely against Israel on future peace negotiations. America has always enjoyed a special relationship with Israel, and we simply can’t afford to let this Administration change that.

As the President prepared his speech, Majority Leader Eric Cantor and I penned an op-ed in Politico calling for the halting of U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority, now that Hamas is an official partner of the Palestinian Authority. Hamas is a terrorist organization responsible for the death of both Americans and Israelis, and committed to Israel’s destruction.

We need to stand with Israel and stand up to terror.
Continue reading “

We Need to Stand with Israel‏”

Budget - Business - Congress - Economy/Finances - Free Trade - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Peter Roskam - Republicans - Warner Todd Huston

Roskam Receives U.S. Chamber’s Spirit of Enterprise Award

May 24, 2011 by

From the office of Rep. Peter Roskam (R, 6th District)…

Recognized for Supporting Economic Growth and Job Creation

BLOOMINGDALE, IL — Congressman Peter Roskam (IL-06), Chief Deputy Whip, was awarded the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Spirit of Enterprise Award last week. Roskam received the award for his votes last Congress to create jobs and ensure a more positive environment for economic growth, on Wednesday, May 18th, at Zeigler Motors in Downers Grove.

“The Chamber is honored to recognize Congressman Roskam for helping create an environment in which businesses can grow and create jobs,” said Thomas J. Donohue, president and CEO of the U.S. Chamber. “He has shown great conviction by standing on the side of business, at a time when it matters most. Today we honor him.”
Continue reading “

Roskam Receives U.S. Chamber’s Spirit of Enterprise Award”

Democrats/Leftists - Elections - Government - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Tom Cross - Warner Todd Huston

Illinois Redistricting Update‏

May 24, 2011 by

Tom Cross, Illinois GOP Minority Leader…

Democrats in both the House and Senate released legislative redistricting maps last week. In the House, Democrats waited to release their map until late Friday afternoon giving the public practically no time to review it before a planned Sunday hearing in Chicago. If you wanted an explanation you had to ask for it in writing. Democrats promised an open and transparent process – this isn’t it.

Despite claims from House Democrats that their map is fair and competitive, a number of Latino organizations have stated at hearings and in news reports that their population is under-represented. Since the last map was drawn in 2001, the Latino population grew the most in the last ten years in Illinois.
Continue reading “

Illinois Redistricting Update‏”

2nd Amendment - Conservatives - Constitution - Democrats/Leftists - GOP - Government - Illinois State Government - Journalism - Liberals - Media - Media Bias - Pat Quinn - Republicans - Warner Todd Huston

Gov. Quinn to Sign Illinois Firearm Owner’s Privacy Bill

May 21, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Well, accidental Governor Pat Quinn is finally doing something right. He has pledged to sign HB3500, a bill that will keep confidential and away from the eyes of anti-gun activists and the Old Media alike the personal information of registered firearm owners in Illinois.

The Illinois Senate passed the bill 42 to 1 overturning a decision by left-wing Attorney General Lisa Madigan to turn over to the Old Media the names, addresses, and personal info on file of all citizens that have registered with the state for an Illinois Firearm Owners ID card (FOID).

Illinois citizens are not allowed to buy or sell firearms or ammunition in the Land of Lincoln without registering with the state and because this information is in the hands of the Illinois State Police, the Associated Press imagined that this information should be public.
Continue reading “

Gov. Quinn to Sign Illinois Firearm Owner’s Privacy Bill”

Budget - Cook County - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Government - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Introducing Schaumburg’s Sick Time Reimbursement Plan

May 21, 2011 by

From the Palatine Tea Party…

(Palatine, Illinois) – The Village of Schaumburg clearly indicates in their employee handbook, which we obtained via a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, how employee sick time balances can be paid out.

Click here, to view the Village of Schaumburg Employee handbook. Review section 8-4 of the Employee handbook (Sick Time Reimbursement Plan).
Continue reading “

Introducing Schaumburg’s Sick Time Reimbursement Plan”

Elections - Ethics - GOP - Government - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Republicans - SB600 - Tom Cross - Warner Todd Huston

Illinois House Republican Newbies Disappoint

May 19, 2011 by

-By Doug Ibendahl

“Tom Cross has a brick on SB35.”

That’s a quote from State Senator Kirk Dillard from a few days ago. He simply stated what nearly all of you I’m sure already know.

It’s hardly some secret that Tom Cross – the House Minority Leader – is viciously opposed to the idea of regular Republicans having a voice again in their own party.

Now for the third time in six years, the direct election reform (now designated as Senate Bill 35) – has passed out of the Senate and over to the House. The most recent Senate passage was last month and this time the vote was unanimous. Even several Republican Senators who had been pressured by the old guard to vote “no” in 2009 are now waking up to the reality that our Illinois Republican Party needs an overhaul from the bottom and the top.

But in the Illinois House it’s different. Not a single Republican has stepped up so far to co-sponsor SB35 in the House this session. It’s really shameful.

It’s especially shameful where the 13 new GOP State Representatives are concerned (some won in November and some were appointed to fill vacancies post-November).

And by the way, I’ve talked to several of the freshmen, as well as with many of the longer serving GOP House members. I’ve not heard a single one voice an argument against SB35 – in fact many are clearly in favor of the bill and its reform. But their “support” is pretty meaningless if they won’t stand up…

Read the rest at RepublicanNewsWatch.com.

Congress - GOP - House of Representatives - Israel - Palestinians - Peter Roskam - Republicans - Warner Todd Huston

EXCLUSIVE Interview with Rep. Peter Roskam About Israel, Unified Palestinian Govt., And US Foreign Policy

May 19, 2011 by

By Jeff Dunetz

The past few months have seen unexpected developments in the Middle East, the continuing “Arab Awakening,” Egypt’s slide toward being controlled by the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood, Syria and Libya in revolt; it seemed as if for the first time in recent history the Israeli-Palestinian dispute represented the calmest place in this violence-prone area of the world.

That all changed in early May when the Palestinian Authority, run by the “moderate” terrorists of the Fatah party, agreed to reunite with the more overt terrorists of Hamas who rule over the Gaza Strip.

…This morning Politico carried an op-ed composed by two members of the House GOP leadership: Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA), and Peter Roskam (R-Ill) Deputy Majority Whip and Co-Chair of Republican Israel Caucus.

I had the opportunity to interview Congressman Roskam this morning. We discussed the Politico op-ed as well as other key issues regarding American foreign policy as it relates to Israel and the Middle East. Below is that interview, beginning with an overview of the situation provided by the Congressman….

Read the rest at YidWithLid.

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

Village of Schaumburg Attempts to Hide $17 Million in Accrued Village Sick Time Liability

May 18, 2011 by

From the Palatine Tea Party…

(Palatine, Illinois) – The Village of Schaumburg went out of its way to hide employee sick time balances when we attempted to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to obtain employee balances. Government agencies expect taxpayers to pay their expenses, but when asked to view the data the answer is met with clear opposition. The Village tried to hide behind HIPPA law as their excuse. We then appealed the Village’s decision with the Illinois’ State Attorney and won, click here.

Click here, to view Village of Schaumburg’s line-by-line employee sick time balances.
Continue reading “

Village of Schaumburg Attempts to Hide $17 Million in Accrued Village Sick Time Liability”

Budget - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Republicans - Taxes - Tom Cross - Warner Todd Huston

Ill. House GOP Leader Cross: House Passes State Budget, Drives Down Spending‏

May 17, 2011 by

From the office of Illinois GOP House leader Tom Cross…

For years, House Republicans have driven the discussion on the need for fiscal discipline and to stop spending money we don’t have. Today we took a dramatic step forward passing the first budget in years that actually forces the state to live within its means; and actually spends less than we did the year before. We are pleased that our friends across the aisle joined us in this fiscal discipline.

See the video HERE.

It is never easy to make cuts, but the budgets we passed this week will keep our promise to spend no more than our revenue estimate of $33.2 billion. This is the only way we’re ever going to get our bills paid and get our state finances back on track.
Continue reading “

Ill. House GOP Leader Cross: House Passes State Budget, Drives Down Spending‏”

2nd Amendment - Constitution - Democrats/Leftists - Government - Guns - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Warner Todd Huston

Illinois Citizens Suing State to Gain Concealed Carry

May 16, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

A former corrections officer and a downstate farmer have joined with the Second Amendment Foundation to sue the State of Illinois over its constant failure to institute a concealed carry law.

In its press release the Second Amendment Foundation says that, “Illinois statutes that completely ban the carrying of handguns for self-defense are ‘inconsistent with the Second Amendment.'”

The foundation insists that its lawsuit is not intended to create law, but only to determine that prohibiting concealed carry is impermissible under the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and in light of the Heller ruling, the prohibition is obviously untenable.
Continue reading “

Illinois Citizens Suing State to Gain Concealed Carry”

Budget - Business - Capitalism - Congress - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Indiana - Liberals - Peter Roskam - Policy - President - Republicans - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

A Tidal Wave of Debt

May 16, 2011 by 1 Comment

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

It’s no secret America is facing a tidal wave of debt.

We all know that Washington must stop spending money it does not have. At its current rate, Medicare will go bankrupt in just nine years. Think about that.

If we do nothing, we’re guaranteeing that Medicare and other crucial safety net programs won’t exist for the next generation.

Disturbingly, Democrats’ plan does nothing to save these programs. In fact, the White House’s own budget lets Medicare simply go bankrupt, all while increasing taxes by $1.5 trillion on job creators. That is not a serious proposal.
Continue reading “

A Tidal Wave of Debt”

Democrats/Leftists - Ethics - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois State Government - Immigration/Immigrants - Law - Liberals - Pat Brady - Pat Quinn - Regulation - Republicans - Tom Cross - Warner Todd Huston

Blame (Republican) SB35 Opponents for Illinois DREAM Act Passage

May 15, 2011 by

-By Doug Ibendahl

“The decay of the Soviet experiment should come as no surprise to us. Wherever the comparisons have been made between free and closed societies — West Germany and East Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia, Malaysia and Vietnam — it is the democratic countries that are prosperous and responsive to the needs of their people.” – Ronald Reagan

A lot of Republicans are outraged that 11 Republican State Senators helped the Democrats pass the Illinois DREAM Act last week (the bill is now in the House).

The outrage is certainly justified. But it wasn’t just the DREAM Act. The GOP Platform took a beating on several fronts last week.
Continue reading “

Blame (Republican) SB35 Opponents for Illinois DREAM Act Passage”

Chicago - Cook County Board - Entertainment - GOP - Government - Illinois - Republicans - Sports - Warner Todd Huston

Cook County Commissioner Tim Schneider: Summer Fun

May 15, 2011 by

From the office of Tim O. Schneider, Cook County Commissioner, 15th District…

Forest Preserve Info

Did you know that the Cook County Forest Preserve has launched a brand new website? Just in time for some great outdoor activities, take a look at their new website and let me know what you think. http://fpdcc.com/

Forest Preserve Golf offers something for every golfer. Beautifully well-maintained courses in a natural setting – no houses, no cars, no distractions – just golf. With ten courses, four driving ranges, and a miniature golf course, you are sure to find a place to call your home course. Click here to learn more about our golf courses.
Continue reading “

Cook County Commissioner Tim Schneider: Summer Fun”

Anti-Americanism - Budget - Chicago - Crime - Democrats/Leftists - Education - Ethics - GOP - Government - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Immigration/Immigrants - Liberals - Nanny State - Pat Quinn - Republicans - Security/Safety - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Gov. Quinn Votes Yes to Release Hardcore Criminals Amongst Us

May 13, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Illinois Governor, Democrat Pat Quinn has decided that it is a great idea to release violent, hardcore criminals among the citizens of his own state. At least those criminals that are illegal aliens, anyway. Why do I say this? Because Quinn has pulled the State of Illinois from the Secure Communities program operated by the Dept. of Homeland Security — a program that helps states deport violent criminals that are illegal aliens.

With no fanfare, Quinn quietly sent a letter to Homeland Security saying that he would no longer be cooperating with them to identify and deport criminal illegals. He’d prefer to keep them here, apparently.

Quinn claimed that the program was deporting too many illegals that weren’t convicted criminals so he felt it was a bad program. Note that Quinn doesn’t seem to think being an illegal immigrant in the first place is a law breaking action!

Nice, eh?
Continue reading “

Gov. Quinn Votes Yes to Release Hardcore Criminals Amongst Us”

Budget - Coal - Congress - Democrats/Leftists - Energy - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Liberals - Nuclear Power - Oil - Peter Roskam - President - Republicans - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Roskam Remarks at House Energy Action Team Press Conference on Energy Bills

May 12, 2011 by

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

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Peter Roskam, Chief Deputy Whip, spoke at the House Energy Action Team (HEAT)’s press conference on current energy legislation to lower gas prices and create jobs. Today, the House passed H.R. 1229, the Putting the Gulf of Mexico Back to Work Act, and will soon vote on H.R. 1231, Reversing President Obama’s Offshore Moratorium Act. Roskam is the co-chair of H.E.A.T.

Continue reading “

Roskam Remarks at House Energy Action Team Press Conference on Energy Bills”

Adam Kinzinger - Budget - Congress - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Ethics - GOP - Government - Health - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Liberals - Medicaid - Medicare - Policy - President - Republicans - Social Security - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Kinzinger, House Freshmen Call on President Obama to End “MediSCARE” Tactics

May 12, 2011 by

From the office of Rep. Adam Kinzinger (Ill. 11)…

Yesterday, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-11) along with his freshman colleagues, reiterated their call on the President at a press conference to keep his commitment made at the 2010 Republican Retreat in Baltimore to have a fact-based conversation immediately over reforming spending on entitlement programs and addressing the debt crisis now before it is insurmountable. (See .pdf of letter)

Last year, President Obama asked, “At what point can we have a serious conversation about Medicare and its long-term liability…or a serious conversation about budget and debt in which we’re not simply trying to position ourselves politically?’ The President went on to say we cannot start these discussions by asking “who’s to blame,” who is “trying to hurt our senior citizens” or “how can we make the American people afraid of the other side.” The President said this is what he’s “committed to doing.”
Continue reading “

Kinzinger, House Freshmen Call on President Obama to End “MediSCARE” Tactics”

Barack Obama - Budget - Business - Capitalism - Coal - Congress - Conservatives - Democrats/Leftists - Energy - Free Trade - GOP - Government - House of Representatives - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Jobs - Liberals - Nuclear Power - Oil - Peter Roskam - Republicans - Taxes

Wanted: A Commonsense U.S. Energy Policy

May 10, 2011 by 2 Comments

By Congressman Peter Roskam (R, Ill.)

Americans have weathered one economic storm after another over the last few years. Yet, time and again, Washington policies have only made our families’ woes worse. From a failed trillion dollar stimulus to a healthcare overhaul that costs jobs and makes healthcare more expensive, Washington policies keep making it harder when Americans need the help most.

The latest: gas. Just as our economy is showing signs of recovery, gas prices are skyrocketing. In Chicagoland, a gallon of gas already costs over $4.50. That means pain for family budgets and employers trying to control costs and hire new workers. But smart federal policies can help. If we choose wisely, we can help lower energy costs for families with an all-of-the-above energy approach.

Taking advantage of America’s natural resources is a commonsense way to lower gas prices, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, and create jobs here. Unfortunately, many refuse to listen to commonsense.
Continue reading “

Wanted: A Commonsense U.S. Energy Policy”

Budget - Business - Capitalism - Democrats/Leftists - Economy/Finances - Government - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Jobs - Liberals - Pat Quinn - Peter Roskam - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

Thanks Governor Quinn: Illinois Loses Another Business and One More (Sears) on the Way Out

May 10, 2011 by 2 Comments

-By Warner Todd Huston

Wisconsin is celebrating over the stupidity of the political class in Illinois, a state that is steadily destroying its business climate and mounting some pretty high tax rates. The town of Menasha, Wisconsin, though, loves Illinois because Prolamina Corp. has chosen it for a new flexible-packaging plant, one it is moving from the Land of Lincoln to Wisconsin.

Prolamina Corp. will begin building its new facility in Wisconsin in August. The facility will be serving the needs of the “tobacco, cheese, pouch materials, pet food, medical, produce and snack food markets.”

“The location offers lower operating costs, improved response times and lower freight costs to customers,” said Bevis, who started the company last year as Packaging Solutions Holdings Inc., Lake Forest, Ill.

So, Illinois has lost yet one more business. There has been a steady stream of business fleeing from Illinois.

This news comes as a prelude to reports that Sears is shopping for a new state to move to, as well.

Sears has its Headquarters in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, a western suburb of Chicago but is now considering a move out-of-state.
Continue reading “

Thanks Governor Quinn: Illinois Loses Another Business and One More (Sears) on the Way Out”

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

Truth in Accounting Issues: Connecticut’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – True Tax Burden $63.5 Billion

May 10, 2011 by

Today, the Institute for Truth in Accounting and the Comeback America Initiative released Connecticut’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 over $63.5 billion of the state’s commitments as they come due. Each taxpayer’s* share of this financial burden equals $49,000.

Connecticut 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: Connecticut’s ‘Financial State of the State’ – True Tax Burden $63.5 Billion”

Budget - Children - Democrats/Leftists - Education - GOP - Government - Illinois - Illinois State Government - Immigration/Immigrants - Liberals - Mexico - Republicans - Senate - Taxes - Warner Todd Huston

11 Illinois Republicans That Support Illegal Immigrant DREAM Act

May 9, 2011 by 1 Comment

-By Warner Todd Huston

When a communist newspaper celebrates the actions of Republicans, well, what more do you need to know how far off base a vote is? The People’s World is all excited about the fact that 11 Illinois State Senators voted to give freebie “scholarships” to illegal aliens to attend Illinois universities and schools.

Last week State Senate President John Cullerton’s Illinois state DREAM Act (SB 2185) passed with a 45 to 11 vote. This program sets up privately funded scholarships to upwards to 95,000 children of illegal immigrants so that they can attend schools in the Land of Lincoln.

Supporters claim that this was a no-brainer vote because no state money is used for this program. This, however, seems to be a falsehood. For one thing SB 2185 sets up a state commission which surely will cost the state to administer. Not only that but the law forces High School counselors to get special sensitivity training on the needs of illegal immigrants. Who the heck is going to pay for all that nonsense if not the local schools that will have to hire consultants to come in for these time wasting training sessions?
Continue reading “

11 Illinois Republicans That Support Illegal Immigrant DREAM Act”

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

Pension Reform in Illinois: A Hard Job That Springfield Wants to Ignore

May 9, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

Americans for Prosperity – Illinois has launched an effort to goad our lawmakers in Springfield to tackle the single most vexing problem the state faces: pension obligations.

AFP has launched a website called “Fix Illinois Pensions Now” to help inform and empower voters so that they might encourage their representatives to do the right thing and fix this mess now!

A second website to find important information can be seen at: www.illinoisisbroke.org.

AFP has partnered with The Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago and they have jointly produced an informative video on the effort.
Continue reading “

Pension Reform in Illinois: A Hard Job That Springfield Wants to Ignore”

Crime - Democrats/Leftists - Elections - Ethics - Government - Illinois - Liberals - Missouri - Warner Todd Huston

East St. Louis: More Voters Registered Than Citizens That Live There

April 28, 2011 by 1 Comment

-By Warner Todd Huston

It is a particular problem with our voter registration systems across the USA that the voting roles are so filled with ineligible names that we aren’t sure how many voters really live in any particular district. East St. Louis is no different.

In fact, East St. Louis seems to have more voters registered in its district than it even has voting population.
Continue reading “

East St. Louis: More Voters Registered Than Citizens That Live There”

Budget - Chicago - Cook County - Cook County Board - Democrats/Leftists - Elections - Government - Illinois - Liberals - Taxes - Toni Preckwinkle - Warner Todd Huston

Cook County Board: Where a Politician Refuses to Say Something Like a Normal Person… Again

April 27, 2011 by

-By Warner Todd Huston

You gotta hand it to new Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Not only has she risen above her goofy name and won a highly important political position, but she’s achieved the art of almost saying something that she means.

Of course there’s another thing you have to hand to her. For a Democrat she’s been doing a fair bit of cutting of the Cook County budget. She could do far more, of course, but at least she’s doing something.

Anyway, back to the “almost saying something she means” thingie…
Continue reading “

Cook County Board: Where a Politician Refuses to Say Something Like a Normal Person… Again”