Presser at 10:30 a.m in Chicago; will have satellite feed for downstate outlets

 CHICAGO (April 15, 2014) On Tuesday, the nonpartisan Illinois Policy Institute will reveal its proposals to balance Illinois’ state budget while allowing the temporary income tax increase to expire. Gov. Quinn and state legislators continue to perpetuate the false narrative that tax hikes or devastating government cuts are the only options for state budget reform. The Institute’s proposed budget, being released on “tax day” when many taxpayers most feel the burden of high taxes, shows lawmakers how they can keep their promise for tax relief.

The proposal is entitled “Budget Solutions 2015: Keeping promises to taxpayers and turning Illinois around” is the latest installment of the Institutes annual proposals for the Illinois budget.

WHAT: Press conference on Illinois Policy Institute’s budget proposals

WHERE: The Wit Hotel, Churchill I & II rooms, 201 N. State Street, Chicago IL 60601

***Satellite uplink of press conference footage will be available at 2 p.m. for downstate outlets***

WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 15

Some highlights from the Institute’s proposal include:

• Enacting and enforcing a more stringent balance budget requirement for the state legislature. One where accounting gimmicks and borrowing cannot be used as loopholes.

• Re-structuring Illinois’ education funding program to help eliminate waste and ensure adequate funding goes to school districts in need.

• Reinstating a private contractor to scrub Illinois’ Medicaid rolls to eliminate fraud and waste and guarantee the truly needy receive the care they deserve.

• Enacting true reforms for government workers to responsibly and fairly bring compensation levels and retirement age in line with taxpayers in the private sector.