No New Taxes Without Impactful Reforms

Addressing Illinois' Fiscal Challenges

Did you know that Illinois currently bears some of the highest property, sales, and income taxes in the nation? It’s true. In fact, with nearly 7,000 taxable government units and an unfunded pension liability approaching $150 billion, our state’s financial situation is precarious.

Additionally, we face one of the highest unemployment rates in the country, and both citizens and corporations are leaving at an alarming rate. This combination is leading us toward a severe financial crisis.

We urgently need change. For over 20 years, unchecked, single-party control has led to unfunded mandates and unsustainable “giveaways”, creating our current challenges. Time is critical. Without immediate action, we will remain on the same detrimental path of excessive taxation and spending that has plagued us for decades, ultimately depleting our resources entirely.

Revitalizing Illinois' Education System

Our Children Deserve a Brighter Future

The phrase "children are our future" holds little promise in Illinois if our education system continues on its current path. Presently, nearly one-third of our children in Illinois cannot read proficiently, and more than 25% are not at grade level in math.

The situation is even more dire in Chicago Public Schools (CPS), despite a 56% increase in per-student spending from 2010 to 2021. Notably, CPS ranks second in the U.S. for per-student expenditure among major school districts, factoring in federal, state, and local education spending, including pension costs.

Unfortunately, CPS, along with Mayor Johnson and the Chicago Teachers Union, are exacerbating the issue by attempting to eliminate school choice and some of the best schools in the district, thereby reinforcing their flawed system. Our children deserve better. Every child deserves access to quality education. The solution begins with reinstating and expanding the 'Invest in Kids' program and implementing other tested, proven methods to ensure no child falls through the cracks. 

Supporting Law Enforcement and Enforcing Accountability for Prosecutors

Restoring Safety and Justice in Illinois

Crime in Illinois, particularly in Chicago and Cook County, is reaching alarming levels. The response from some progressive leaders has been to advocate for defunding the police and electing State’s Attorneys who selectively enforce laws. The SAFE-T Act, signed by Governor Pritzker in 2022, has only exacerbated these issues and needs reevaluation.

Our police and first responders risk their lives daily to ensure our safety. They deserve the best training, tools, and unequivocal support to perform their duties effectively. However, under the leadership of Mayor Lightfoot and now Mayor Johnson, our officers face significant restrictions, which criminals have been quick to exploit. This has led to an increase in crime and a decline in the ranks of our police force, compounded by recruitment challenges.

Prosecutors, especially under the SAFE-T Act, are releasing individuals with extensive criminal records and those accused of violent crimes on electronic monitoring devices. This leniency undermines the rule of law and emboldens offenders, tipping the scales of justice in their favor. The principle of "don't do the crime if you can't do the time" must be reinstated to restore faith in our justice system

Addressing the Humanitarian Crisis with Effective Leadership

The Need for Decisive Action

Chicago is currently grappling with a humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by the actions of our city, county, state, and federal leaders.  

The ongoing migrant crisis dominates headlines daily, with Chicago alone receiving over 37,000 migrants and still sheltering more than 11,000 as of March 18, 2024. This situation has escalated to a critical point, marked by inhumane conditions and a health crisis that has incurred significant costs for taxpayers.

Instead of taking unified action with Cook County and the State of Illinois, Mayor Johnson's leadership has been characterized by indecision, inconsistent initiatives, and blame-shifting. This ineffective approach has worsened our current predicament, diverting crucial resources from our residents and perpetuating unacceptable conditions for migrants. Immediate, resolute measures are imperative to resolve this crisis, uphold order, and restore dignity in our city.