Crisis Point: An Examination of the Illinois State Budget

Join us for this timely and critically important forum; free and open to the public

 

The Democratic Party of Evanston presents

Crisis Point: An Examination of the Illinois State Budget

Sunday, March 21; 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Hill Center (District 65 Headquarters), 1500 McDaniel, Evanston

 Featuring

Ralph Martire, Executive Director, Center for Tax and Budget Accountability;

Michelle Saddler, Secretary, Illinois Department of Human Services;

Tim Schoolmaster, President of the Evanston Police Pension Fund and

 Director, Illinois Public Pension Fund Association

 Moderated by Senator Jeff Schoenberg

Doomsday in Illinois

Has Doomsday arrived?


If you pay attention to local news in Illinois, whether you live in Chicago, in Carbondale, or in Evanston, you’re hearing more each day about our bankrupt state budget and the draconian cuts being imposed as a result.  School programs are being eliminated, workers are losing their jobs, and vital social services – from health care to housing to higher education – are being slashed.  We are at crisis point.  "It is impossible to overstate the level of peril," proclaims the President of the Civic Federation – hardly someone prone to bleeding-heart hyperbole.  “Doomsday is here for the State of Illinois.”

 

You can’t issue a more dire alarm than that – but will they hear it in Springfield?  Will the increasing toll in human hardship force our legislators to wake up?  Will they finally acknowledge we can’t cut our way out of this crisis and start talking about responsible ways to raise revenue?

 

Blaring headlines won’t be enough -- they’ll only respond in Springfield if enough of us demand that they do.

 

So, Democrats, how do you make your voice heard?  First, please attend Crisis Point: An Examination of the Illinois State Budget on Sunday, March 21, 3 p.m. at the Hill Center (see info above).  You’ll get the facts you need from those who know our budget inside and out.  

 

You can also take a close look at the numbers, read comments from other citizens, and provide your own suggestions for how we should approach this crisis on Governor Quinn’s budget websiteclick here.   This is an innovative effort to elicit public input on our fiscal crisis, and we strongly encourage you to post your opinions there.

 

And let us know what you’re thinking on our own newly-interactive website.  Add your comments below and give us your ideas.  How is the budget emergency affecting you, your family and friends, your neighbors?  What can the DPOE do to help bring about a solution to our State’s fiscal crisis?  What should our elected officials do?   How can we engage our fellow citizens on this issue?

 

We want to hear from you.   Your voice and your involvement matters.   Doomsday isn’t inevitable, if you speak up and take action.

 

Here’s more information on the State Budget and links to groups that are pressing for solutions on this crisis.  Study up and, most importantly, get involved.  Call our office if you have questions. 

 

Voices for Illinois Children State Budget Action Center

The Responsible Budget Coalition

Campaign for Illinois' Future

The Civic Federation's Fiscal Rehabilitation Plan

Fiscal Condition Critical: A Report from the Institute of Government and Public Affairs, University of Illinois

By the Numbers: How Illinois' Fiscal Picture Adds Up

Getting a Jump on the Campaign

Executive  Director Toni Gilpin (left), Board Member Ted Loda and Peggy Slater of  the New Trier Dems strategize about how to motivate volunteers for the  2010 election.Executive Director Toni Gilpin (left), Board Member Ted Loda and Peggy Slater of the New Trier Dems strategize about how to motivate volunteers for the 2010 election.

A dozen members of the DPOE board, joined by two organizers from the New Trier Democratic Party, gathered Saturday to discuss a major organizing effort planned for this fall's general election. The session, led by DPOE Secretary Brian Miller, included a discussion of where to target organizing efforts, how to re-engage volunteers and activists in 2010, and how to increase the DPOE's power to shape both the state and national Democratic Party.

 

During March, the DPOE will concentrate on recruiting volunteer leaders who will then attend a training session in April. The ultimate goal is to send some 200 volunteers to another district each month beginning in July. If you are interested in organizing or volunteering, please contact Brian at bwvr@hotmail.com.

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