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| Poll: Many Illinoisans Don't Get State Budget Disaster |
Illinois voters -- responding to a newly-released survey -- have a simple solution to the state's economic troubles: cut other people's services, and raise other people's taxes.
The survey, conducted of more than 800 registered voters by the Paul Simon Institute at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, says an overwhelming majority believes budget cuts can solve the problems. But an overwhelming majority also resists cuts in, the survey's report says, "areas that comprise more than 90 percent of (the) General Revenue Fund."
Mike Lawrence, the institute's director, says the public must do a better job of following the news, and the public and media should be more demanding of politicians -- especially those in office -- when it comes to the specifics. 78 percent in the poll agree with the statement that Illinois is bringing in enough money but simply wastes too much.
"Citizens need to challenge their elected official or candidates when they say things like, 'We'll just cut waste,'" says Lawrence. "Well, what are you going to cut?"
With Comptroller Dan Hynes recently announcing a $1.8 billion backlog of bills, Lawrence says it appears the state is past the point of being able to cut its way out. What's more, Lawrence says he fears the state is in danger of becoming a "backwater state."
The survey says 88 percent of people responding believe the state is headed in the wrong direction.
Lawrence, a Knox College graduate and former newspaper reporter, is preparing to retire as director of the institute.
To read the full report, CLICK HERE (PDF document).
(Source: Illinois Radio Network) |
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| 10 24 08 by Newsroom |
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