Facts are stubborn things

During Gov. Quinn’s DNC address, he invoked John Adams’ famous line, “facts are stubborn things.” Quinn presented his facts about President Obama’s track record. Quinn presented his facts about Governor Romney’s track record. And Quinn presented his facts about Congressman Ryan’s track record. There was one track record that Quinn failed to mention. His own....

During Gov. Quinn’s DNC address, he invoked John Adams’ famous line, “facts are stubborn things.”

Quinn presented his facts about President Obama’s track record. Quinn presented his facts about Governor Romney’s track record. And Quinn presented his facts about Congressman Ryan’s track record.

There was one track record that Quinn failed to mention. His own.

If Quinn wants to talk about the facts, then let’s talk about the facts.

Illinois’ state debt:

• Illinois’ total state debt is $271 billion.
• Illinois’ state debt per resident is $21,000.
• Illinois has roughly $8.5 billion in unpaid bills.

Illinois’ economic performance:

• 39 states have a lower unemployment rate than Illinois.
• It will take 43 months for Illinois’ unemployment rate to recover to its pre-recession low, given the current pace of job creation and assuming no growth in the labor force.
• Unemployment in Chicago is stalled at 10.5%
• Illinois is 48th in job growth.
• Illinois is 48^th in economic outlook.
• Illinois is 48^th in economic performance.
• The rate of entrepreneurship in Illinois has been below the national average every year since 1996, with the exception of 2001.
• Chicago is tied with Detroit for the worst entrepreneurship rate among the 15 largest metropolitan areas in the country.
• Illinois has had 12 credit downgrades since 2008.
• Illinois has more units of local government than any other state in the nation.

Illinois’ pensions:

• Illinois has the worst funded pension in the nation.
• Illinois’ pension inaction costs the state $18 million per day.
• Illinois pension funds need 19 percent annual investment returns in order to pay for the promised benefits.

John Adams was right, facts are stubborn.

For more Quinn facts visit QuinnFacts.com