Author: Illinois Opportunity Project

Broken Budgets; Broken Promises

Illinois Democrats, despite their campaign promises of fiscal responsibility, appear confident that they can continue their big spending practices. They readily admit their budget is unbalanced and that their unwillingness to rein in spending should be financed by higher taxes on families and businesses across Illinois. As for Republicans in the state legislature, they need to understand that they can only win politically by sticking to their principles on budget negotiations and keeping their promises.

Illinois Opportunity Project on Madigan’s Millionaires Tax

It is wrong to ask the hardworking families of Illinois to continue bailing out Springfield’s wasteful spending and continued mismanagement. We oppose this measure and will work to see it defeated – just as we did in 2014… The Illinois Opportunity Project will be watching this bill move through the General Assembly. Furthermore, we encourage legislators to stand by the fiscal reform agenda presented by Governor Rauner and defeat this harmful piece of legislation.

Who Will Determine 2016?

The biggest difference between the electorate of the 2014 mid-term election and 2016 presidential election will be those who didn’t vote. National turnout data says roughly 83 million Americans voted in the 2014 mid-term elections; in the last presidential election, about 129 million people turned out.

A Ruling and An Opportunity

However, the people of Illinois have an opportunity today to demand that the state moves in a new direction. As the Chicago Tribune suggested, let’s GO BIG on pension reform by creating a sustainable 401 (k)-style pension system that offers certainty to retirees and fairness to taxpayers. True pension reforms will require legislators with the political will to implement them. It is important that voters keep this in mind as the 2016 election-cycle approaches. Stand up for an Illinois Comeback.

Forging Opportunity

Opportunity does not simply exist. It must be forged – inch by inch and day by day. By advancing a policy agenda rooted in economic liberty. By taking risks and making sacrifices. By working harder and longer than those who benefit by embracing our decline. A task this large and this critical to our future requires leadership – everywhere.

62 Local Leaders

Local and municipal governments are the training and proving ground for independent leaders. They allow new leaders to develop the skills, local support, record on policy, and campaign infrastructure to ultimately hold higher office. Service in local government also provides critical tests of character and principle.

Stand Strong for Illinois

“Republicans will not be supporting any new revenue this session,” stated Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin last week during a forum at Chicago’s City Club. We agree with Leader Durkin. A tax increase is wrong for Illinois.

State of Emergency

What is the basis for Shapiro’s claim that Illinois is in a state of emergency?

If SB 1 is struck down by the Court, Illinois’ pension debt will continue to grow and our severely underfunded pension system will swallow up our state budget. Further credit downgrades will almost certainly follow. The quality of life of every man, woman and child in the state would decline in the face of looming tax increases and severe budget cuts.

Opt-In on Education

“Opt out.” That’s the message being sent by the Chicago Teachers Union to families this week, as the state begins administering the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers (PARCC) exam. The Illinois Opportunity Project has a different solution.

One Question for Chicago Mayoral Candidates

Chicago is in a pressure cooker. The rest of the state should take note. Funding the 2016 pension payment will be painful. The only silver lining is that the next Mayor will have an opportunity to set a new course for the city. And Chicagoans have the opportunity to determine which man is more likely to face the pension problem head on and usher in a large-scale urban reformation.