Please Support the Center For Tax and Budget Accountability: Two
Important Voices, Many Good Reasons
The Center for Tax and Budget Accountability has just issued a reminder that tax-deductible
donations would be very welcomed as the year moves to its ending. The message from Kathy Miller, Director of
Communications and Development, explains the CTBA’s bi-partisan approach and
constant focus on data driven policy to promote social and economic
justice.
Perhaps you’ve had the
opportunity to watch the CTBA’s Executive Director Ralph Martire on programs
like WTTW’s Chicago Tonight, assisting panel leader Carol Marin with the actual
numbers, not just stock phrases or party slogans. Without Ralph Martire’s passion and expertise
for accuracy in the economic details of our State, such discussions would be
useless in understanding Illinois’ fiscal situation.
Here are parts of Ms. Miller’s note.
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“The 2014 midterm elections are behind us and at CTBA, as a
bi-partisan think tank dedicated to social and economic justice through
data-driven policy, we are undeterred by election results.
• We work
with people on all sides of the aisle, whatever political affiliation.
• We are
always committed to designing policy reform initiatives that are rigorous and
evidence-based.
• We deal
with large, systemic challenges by taking an evidence-based, best-practice
approach.
“In an election turnover such as the one this week, some
things stay the same, like the unfunded pension liability. However, no one
should be unprepared for the trials ahead. For example, if the temporary tax
increase is not extended, loss of funding for programs ranging from domestic
violence and child abuse prevention to care for seniors and people with
disabilities will be devastating.
“The veto session in Springfield starts on Nov. 19. One issue
for the Legislature to consider: 66% of Illinois voters approved the ballot
question of whether the state hourly minimum wage should be increased to $10
by January 1, 2015. (Current IL minimum wage is $8.25 an hour.) According to
the Economic Policy Institute's report, "Raising America's Pay: Why
It's Our Central Economic Policy Challenge," despite increasing
economic productivity, wages for most workers stagnated or declined since
1979. The veto session could very well be our last chance for much-needed
progress, and everyone's help, morally, financially, and on the ground, is
crucial.
“Please take a moment to make a contribution to the Center
( HERE
) so we can remain your source for fact-based data, analyses and public
education. “
Another insightful Reminder from Retired Educator
WLSU Legislative Member Al Popwits:
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| "…our worst fears…realized" |
"Our worst fears have been realized…Rauner
is governor of Illinois. The next four years will require each of us to be
diligent and well informed in order to protect ourselves against an onslaught
of irrational pension and service cuts. We can expect subtle and not so subtle
attempts to divide retirees and active teachers. Aside from being informed we
must also inform others …fellow teachers, friends, and family. To do that we
need to know the facts!
The Center for Tax and Budget Accountability
(CTBA) has led the charge on pension issues. It has consistently pointed out
that Illinois does not have a pension problem, but a debt problem caused by
decades of not making full employer contributions to the state’s pension
systems.
Director Ralph Martire and his staff have
for years gathered information which the IRTA, WLSU, and the IFT have used in
their communications with state legislators. Mr. Martire is a frequent guest on
Chicago Week In Review and other television programs where he advocates
a sensible approach to cleaning up Illinois’ fiscal mess.
This valuable organization now needs our
help. Since CTBA is a non-profit, it needs your financial support. Would you
please join me in making a tax-deductible contribution to the Center for Tax
and Budget Accountability, 70 E. Lake Street, Suite 1700, Chicago, Ill
60601.
Together we can win this battle,
Al Popowits
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