Reaction to Governor Quinn’s Budget Address

A Democrat-backed plan to shift a portion of the state’s pension obligation to local schools and universities would be disastrous for the schools and for the taxpayers that fund them, a group of House Republicans stressed today. At a Capitol press conference, the lawmakers said that simply shifting the pension funding burden does nothing to solve the core problem, and would inevitably lead to hefty property tax increases and potential teacher layoffs.

Caterpillar CEO Doug Oberhelman weighs in on Illinois' need for a better business climate

Check this out. We agree Illinois needs to be more welcoming to employers and have pushed many of the initiatives outlined by Caterpillar CEO Doug Oberhelman.

Democrat Pension Shift would be disastrous to local schools, property taxpayers

A Democrat-backed plan to shift a portion of the state’s pension obligation to local schools and universities would be disastrous for the schools and for the taxpayers that fund them, a group of House Republicans stressed today. At a Capitol press conference, the lawmakers said that simply shifting the pension funding burden does nothing to solve the core problem, and would inevitably lead to hefty property tax increases and potential teacher layoffs.

"...Think back to 1/11/11, the night Democrats in the General Assembly raised personal and corporate income taxes by 67 and 46 percent. That legislation didn't cut spending by one dime. Never forget the assurances, though, that these tax increases would pay the state's debts and prevent future budget deficits..."

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Join the Conversation.

Join the conversation. Wednesday shortly after the Governor gives his annual state budget address go to #CapChat to get reaction from the Republican House members and to offer your own reaction. Offer your point of view at #CapChat on Facebook. Republican members will be monitoring your comments. Hit ‘Like' at #CapitolChats on Facebook to join the conversation.

Accelerated Tax Roll Back Proposal

House Republican Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) along with members of the House Republican Caucus are offering a broad-based approach to keeping good employers and making Illinois more competitive for jobs through legislation to accelerate a roll-back of the temporary corporate income tax hike passed by Democrats in January, 2011.

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