Posted on 06/29/2012 9:51:27 AM PDT by Hunton Peck
All too often political leaders have been afraid to tell the truth about the costs associated with pension, health care and other entitlement obligations. It is time for politicians to own up to these fiscal challenges.
As is the case in Illinois, the truth is often sobering. I know the feeling. When I became governor in Wisconsin, the state faced a $3.6 billion deficit, was hemorrhaging jobs and had high unemployment.
While I'm not an expert on the fiscal challenges facing Illinois, based on media reports I've read and stories I've heard from visiting your state, there are major budgetary issues that need to be resolved. Illinois faces a fiscal and economic crisis.
In times of crisis, citizens should demand leadership. In the weeks leading up to the Wisconsin recall election, a supporter and friend told me: "If you hadn't gone as far as you did, you might have avoided this recall election." I responded, "We also wouldn't have fixed our problem. I'm not planning on it, but I'm not afraid to lose."
The actions we took in balancing the state's budget and implementing collective bargaining reforms were solely aimed at ensuring that my two sons and other kids would inherit a state better off than the one I had. Burying the next generation under a mountain of crippling debt was never a realistic option.
Economic growth and job creation are largely dependent on certainty, which government can provide by delivering stable services, predictable regulations and a favorable tax climate.
I visited Illinois last week, not to poach businesses but to encourage employers who have a global presence to consider future expansion in Wisconsin.
***
Now is the time for leaders in Illinois and across the nation to take on these tough choices. The next generation is counting on us.
(Excerpt) Read more at chicagotribune.com ...
"Chicago Tribune asked me to comment on lessons learned that could apply to IL"
....start off buying tons of RAT poison.
...and Flee powder — in case they try to come back.
Wisconsini: Scott Walker offer advice to IL (on reqquestof the Chicago Tribune)
FReep Mail me if you want on, or off, this Wisconsin interest ping list.
When the Speaker of the House has more power than the governor, passes laws that are laughingly corupt on their face, whose daughter is the AG, how do you change anything without first removing all the players from Springfield and starting from scratch? FOr example, would the daughter of the Speaker ever move to act on the completely corrupt law which brought us 1-day of work getting a lifetime of pension for a teacher union lobbyist?
The scant few true Conservatives in the state are frozen out by RINO/Combine Olde Guard (corrupt) Illinois Republican Party.
The numbers don't work with Crook County (Chicago) and the Metro-East area bulldozing the rest of the state. The Combine concept was spawned in DuPage County - the supposed bastion of the IL-GOP - and continues on today with Chairman Dan Cronin.
When the Republican Minority Leader of the House, Tom "Double-Cross" Cross is "helping" Crook County implement/expedite KardashianCare, we are a lost party with athrosclerotic leadership, and a septic tank of a state.
We....are....so....screwed.
Wisc. faced a 3.6 billion deficit.
Ill. faces an 83 billion deficit for jsut it’s pensions.
apples vs. bigger apples
Baraq term 2 will introduce federally guaranteed state bonds for Ca, Il, and NY.
I realize the FedGov is broke too, but it will buy them a few years.
I realize the FedGov is broke too, but it will buy them a few years.
Now, that's a great reason to vote for Mr. Soetoro - it will feed ILL-ANNOY's addictions for 4 more years.
ILL-ANNOY spends twice as much as it takes in. No bailout will ever fix that level of systemic stupidity.
Springfield needs to get swallowed up by a sinkhole so you all can start all over. My first thought was to suggest rooting out corruption and fraud in government but Chicago is deeply entrenched in it. Unless you can sweep the rats out of the State House and Chicago, nothing’s going to change. Someone needs to look under the rug and start cleaning house.
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