Longtime statehouse observers and policy experts available for interviews in Chicago and Springfield
The Institute has been the premier tax and budget policy center in Illinois for the past decade. Since 2009, the Institute has produced alternative state budgets to show how Illinois can balance its budget without raising taxes, without borrowing money and while still paying the pensions. The Institute is a government watchdog that aims to make Illinois the most economically prosperous state in the nation.
WHAT: Today, Bruce Rauner will be sworn in as the 42nd Governor of Illinois. This marks a significant shift in the political and policy direction of the state. During the election of 2014, the state’s budget problems were among the biggest issues debated. Illinois faces a public pension debt of more than $111 billion with more than $6 billion in unpaid bills. With new leadership, Illinois lawmakers have the opportunity to enact significant reforms.
WHO: Experts are available in Springfield and Chicago, and by Skype and phone.
….in Chicago: Ted Dabrowski, vice president of policy.
For interviews, call or text: Diana Rickert or Nathaniel Hamilton (312) 607-4977