Madigan’s Losing Game
House Speaker Michael Madigan, in cooperation with the state’s most powerful public sector union, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), is working to strip the Governor of his bargaining powers as he negotiates a major government union contract on behalf of hardworking taxpayers. A majority of Illinoisans elected Governor Rauner to represent their families and businesses in Springfield. Therefore, he is the one who should negotiate with unions, not an unelected arbitrator. Illinoisans deserve a solution that balances the interests of the families and businesses who fund government with the interests of the government workers who administer core services. Legislators who vote to override the Governor’s veto diminish our representation in Springfield.
Read Full ArticleDes Plaines Turnaround Panel
Radio talk show personality Dan Proft along with experts from The Illinois Policy Institute and Illinois Opportunity Project will
discuss Illinois’ budget and how it will affect our families and communities.
Revenue and Redefinition
The language we use in our collective discourse plays an enormous role in shaping the public’s perceptions and understanding of critical issues, including taxation. Unfortunately, those of us on the right have been unwilling to fully understand that their attempts at redefinition amount to psychological warfare.
Read Full ArticleThe Courage of a Reformer
It will even take more than winning elections and sending people to Springfield who have good ideas and say they are committed to reform. The last hurdle is the hardest one. Staying committed to making real change once the candidate wins and goes to Springfield. The pressures to conform and give up on making real change can only be overcome by strong personal character.
Read Full ArticleCongratulations, Jeanne Ives
Ives (R-Wheaton), a West Point graduate and mother of five, is exemplary of the ethical, independent and astute government officials who are bringing about a Policy Revolution in Illinois. At West Point, she learned to live by a code: “A cadet will not lie, cheat, steal or tolerate those who do.” Ives lives that code everyday.
Read Full ArticleIf There is a Government Shutdown, Guess Who Won’t Feel It?
“While workers face layoffs, state legislators won’t feel the pinch, thanks to a bill passed last year. It classifies legislator pay as a continuing appropriation — a budget item that state law mandates be funded even in the event of a government shutdown. The bill puts compensating part-time legislators on par with the state’s big-ticket items such as debt and pension payments and retiree health benefits… “
Read Full ArticleIOP’s Dan Proft and Pat Hughes on Beyond the Beltway
On June 7, IOP’s Pat Hughes joined a panel on national radio show, Beyond the Beltway, with Dan Proft filling in as host for Bruce Dumont.
Read Full ArticleAdvocacy and Outreach Update
In addition to hosting interactive panel discussions about the Illinois turnaround agenda across the state, we have been a sought after source on Illinois’ political landscape in local and national media.
Read Full ArticlePat Hughes Discusses Budget Bills on Stephanie Trussell Show
On Sunday, May 31, IOP’s Pat Hughes joined Stephanie Trussell to discuss Madigan’s Budget Bills and state politics. Listen to Hughes on WLS here.
Read Full ArticlePat Hughes Discusses Budget Bills on WTAD 5.27.15
On May 27, 2015, IOP’s Pat Hughes joined Sean Secrease on WTAD-AM (Quincy, Illinois) to discuss Illinois’ budget crisis and the political games in the Statehouse leading up to the end of session. Listen to Pat’s WTAD interview .
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