Guest Column: Illinois is broken—let’s fix it!
By Joe Terrell
Shhh! Listen… do you hear what I hear? That sound is a massive freight train bearing down on the people of Illinois. We are bound to the tracks, and we are in trouble. 2011 will be a year of massive change in Illinois—change for the worse.
This November, “We The People” stepped forward and said, “NO!” Springfield has failed to get the message.
On the freight train of destruction is the Illinois pension system. Estimates have the pension system between $70 billion and $90 billion in the red. If current state employees are going to receive the pension benefits they were promised, we must have common-sense pension reform—now. Additionally, new state employees must be transitioned to a 401(k) style plan that gives individuals control of their own future but with the incentive of tax-deferred growth.
The locomotive behind this destruction is a lack of fiscal responsibility and refusal to downsize state government. Illinois is insolvent. Financial obligations are greater than revenue. 2010 state revenue was $8 billion greater than 2009 revenue, but Illinois was unable to meet its financial obligations. Stifling tax burden is driving businesses (and jobs) out of state. The result is higher unemployment and lower tax revenue.
Unfortunately, Governor Quinn’s answer is more taxes and more spending. Illinois income tax will increase in 2011. It is still unclear whether it will be an across-the-board increase or a discriminatory, progressive increase. Nonetheless, it will be an increase.
Illinois is broken, but it is not unrepairable. The destruction will stop only when we say, “IT MUST STOP!” If Illinois is going to recover, the state must… (1) Downsize the state government. (2) Introduce meaningful reforms to the state pension system.(3) Lower taxes.
So, you may be asking, “What can I do?”
Never give up! Never accept anyone who says, “there is nothing anyone can do.” Resist going with the flow.
Then, get involved. Pick a single issue that really matters to you. Educate yourself. Stay informed and know as much about that issue as you can learn. Educate your friends and neighbors. Call your alderman, mayor, county board member, state representative, state senator, congressman and senators. Make sure they know you are watching what they are doing and that you expect results. You will find that you are not alone. You have allies.
“We The People” can save Illinois! Now, more than ever, we need you to step forward and lend us your voice.
Joe Terrell was the Republican candidate for Winnebago County Clerk in the last election. He is a member of the Rockford Tea Party Board and a member of the Winnebago County Republican Central Committee.
From the Dec. 29-Jan. 4, 2011 issue
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3 Comments
Right on the money! Illinois needs all of its voting citizens no matter what party they align themselves with to stand up and say ENOUGH! Our state has been spinning down the crapper for oh so many years, with the same fixes being tried over and over only to continue getting the same results. Spinning and spinning getting closer and closer to being sucked into the cesspool. Very frustrating as a resident of Illinois for sure. But it’s going to take all of us to deliver the virtual slap in the face of our politicians to snap them back in to reality and clear thinking. Right now they’re just freaking out and acting crazy running out of control with nothing to offer except the same psychobabble.
Here’s the news: Illinois State employees have been able to join a tax-deferred 457 plan for years. 401(k) means “employer contributions.”
“Stifling tax burden is driving businesses (and jobs) out of state.” Illinois has the lowest income tax rate of all of our surrounding states (so I’ve heard). Also, we do not tax retirement pay. Jim Edgar, a wise conservative Republican says the state NEEDS a tax hike.
The state HAS reformed the pension plan for new state employees. I agree the general assembly has been ridiculously careless with tax money when it comes to this issue, but I can tell you as a retiree who keeps in touch, government has been “downsized” enough. Most agencies are beginning to be paralyzed.
I also agree with you about learning the facts, but please learn the CORRECT facts, Mr. Terrell!
Another thought: Let’s just say you won the election for County Clerk. You would only have to work for a few years before YOU would be vested in what? A public pension program, IMRF to be exact. Would you decline that pension or donate it to charity? Hmmmm….