Quinn for Illinois

If you want to get a picture of Bill Brady’s Illinois, you need look no further than New Jersey.

Chris Christie laid off nearly 10 percent of the state’s teachers, eliminated property tax relief for the middle class, cut public transit funding, and skipped $3.1 billion in pension payments— hurting working families and costing taxpayers billions in the long term to pay for his own budget shortcuts.  At the same time, he granted billions in tax breaks to corporations. 

Governor Christie has done everything in his power to protect the bank accounts of his state’s wealthiest residents, even if it means cutting state transit projects and capping aid to state schools.

Reckless cuts. Failed budget gimmicks. Tax cuts for the rich. More tired ideas from the Republican playbook - the same ideas that caused the national recession.

If this sounds familiar, it’s because Brady looks to be following in Christie’s footsteps, promising to slash funding for critical programs.  His disastrous cuts would cut at least $1 billion from education, causing skyrocketing property taxes, and laying off 15,000 teachers. Analysts estimate that his cuts would make Illinois lose an additional 128,000 private-sector jobs. And his tax cuts for the rich would add $1 billion to our deficit, even by Brady's own admission.

Instead of another big ticket fundraiser with a political celebrity, maybe Brady should be working a plan to present to Illinois taxpayers. A plan they don't have to wait until November 2nd to see. A plan that doesn't add a billion to our deficit, raise our property taxes, and result in over 100,000 fewer jobs for Illinois workers.

Governor Quinn implemented an historic pension reform that will save taxpayers $220 billion over 35 years-- responsibly.  He’s cut spending by $3 billion, responsibly, protecting funding for education and other vital services.   He’s been standing up for working families instead of catering to wealthy special interests, and he’s worked with Ford, UPS, Navistar, and many others to create jobs throughout Illinois.

We've got more work to do, but Governor Quinn has us on the road to recovery. Senator Brady - just like his special guest Governor Christie - has the wrong ideas, and will derail the progress we've made.

-Mica Matsoff