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Republicans Tout Economic Reform Proposals
Republicans in the Illinois House are hoping majority Democrats give their economic ideas a hearing. House Minority Leader Tom Cross (R-Oswego) outlined a four-point plan which he says would help:

- Requiring a three-fifths supermajority on votes to raise taxes or fees
- Pay-as-you-go spending – no new spending unless an equal amount is cut
- Sunshine Act – examining all programs and eliminating redundancies
- Stimulus Watch – sunsetting stimulus programs once the money runs out

Illinois is in the bottom five in economic performance, debt burden, and job growth -- 44th in gross domestic product and personal income growth -- and No. 3 in people moving out. John Tillman, CEO of the Illinois Policy Institute, says Illinois' reputation as an ethical cesspool is partly to blame, in that businesses don’t want to locate here, and people don't want to work here, because of the perception that you have to be connected to get anywhere.

Cross says raising taxes is not automatically the answer: "I find it ironic that people say, 'When are you going to get some courage and vote for a tax increase?' I think the courage comes in in having to balance and prioritize and make tough decisions. No one likes to say no."

Republicans are frustrated that controlling Democrats are not letting their bills move, though Democrats insist they want reform and a balanced budget, adding the Republican Party is late to the game.

(Illinois Radio Network)
05 01 09 by Newsroom
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