Madigan’s Bipartisan Deception vs. Taxpayers

Written by David E. Smith

As you know by now, over the Independence Day weekend, the Illinois General Assembly passed a massive tax hike for families and businesses. When Governor Bruce Rauner vetoed the proposal, the Illinois Senate and House quickly overrode his veto. What does that mean for taxpayers? Well, the personal income tax rate has now increased by 32 percent, surging from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent, and the corporate rate has jumped from 5.25 percent to 7 percent.… Continue Reading

Ineffective GOP Messaging Leads to Tax Hikes Without Reforms Every Time

Written by John Biver

Every time state spending increases and taxes are raised, Republicans and conservatives issue statements expressing disappointment and disgust with those who played a part in making it happen. For many of us watching this Illinois tax and spend train wreck year after year, these statements are tiresome.

Bad things happen. Our side reacts to those bad things with statements.

These pages have outlined and linked to other articles explaining that Illinois’ problem is a simple math problem.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: The American Miracle and Common Core

Written by Benjamin Smith

Monte Larrick had the pleasure of interviewing radio talk show host, historian and bestselling author Michael Medved about his new book The American Miracle: Divine Providence in the Rise of the Republic.  Michael offers his thoughts on the intervening role that God has played in America’s founding and rise to prominence. He persuasively points out that America is a product of design, not luck or happenstance. His radio program is nationally syndicated and featured on Salem Radio Network live every weekday afternoon (2-5 PM), and in the Chicago area on WIND (AM 560) every weeknight between 10PM and 1 AM.… Continue Reading

Freedom’s Hope is Found on the Shoulders of Our Lord

Written by James Robison

Our nation was born out of a deep desire for true freedom that was inspired by those determined to have freedom of religion. This nation was born because believers prayed. This nation became prosperous and powerful because believers served.

And this nation only moves forward if the faithful stay engaged.

America’s future hope and the preservation of freedom depend upon the transforming power of gospel truth demonstrated and delivered by Spirit-filled believers.… Continue Reading

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA

Written by William G. Parrot

Our Founding Fathers thoughtfully and succinctly defined human nature, thus crafting a Constitution confronting man’s decided vulnerability to the elixir of power and its addictive influence.  Across decades of the American landscape their genius sustained this nation’s promise rewarding hard work and diligence in a free society.  Limitless opportunity unfettered by overbearing government emboldened our citizens.  Selfless patriots and honest risk-takers became the lifeblood of this great land despite the freeloaders and parasites content with an entitlement mindset.… Continue Reading

SPOTLIGHT: Discussing Educational Choice with Lennie Jarrat

Written by Benjamin Smith

In the Spotlight with Monte Larrick and David Smith this week is Lennie Jarratt, who is the project manager for the Center for Transforming Education at The Heartland Institute.

Lennie was the former managing editor (2013-2014) of Champion News, an Illinois based news website focusing on education and Illinois politics, and the managing editor (2004-2011) of Education Matters which researched education in local school districts across Illinois.

Jarratt is well-versed on Common Core and education choice.… Continue Reading

Guidestar to Remove ‘Hate Group’ Labels on Conservative Groups for ‘Time Being’

Written by Rachel del Guidice

The nation’s leading source of information on U.S. charities announced it will modify its use of a controversial “hate group” designation in listings for some well-known and broadly supported conservative nonprofits.

“We have decided to remove the SPLC annotations from these 46 organizations for the time being,” read a statement posted Friday on GuideStar’s website. “This change will be implemented during the week of June 26, 2017. In the meantime, we will make this information available to any user on request.”… Continue Reading

Trump Nominee Not Hindered by Bernie Sanders’ Religious Litmus Test

Written by Tony Perkins

No thanks to U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), President Donald Trump’s pick for the Office of Management and Budget is one step closer to his new job.

After a faith-based grilling that left Sanders red-faced and Americans in shock, Russell Vought’s nomination squeaked out of the Senate’s Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee by the narrowest of margins, 8-7.

The hearings caught the country’s attention when Sanders made the case that Christians like Vought are unfit for public office — even in jobs that have nothing to do with faith.… Continue Reading

WELL DONE, DEMOCRATS: The Entire State Of Illinois Is About To Go Bankrupt

Written by Elliott Hamilton

Gov. Bruce Rauner (R) of Illinois believes that his state is on the verge of “banana republic territory” because the state faces an imminent financial crisis. As described in a story published by The Fiscal Times on June 12:

Last week, the state marked the second full year in which Gov. Bruce Rauner and a combative Democratic legislature were unable to agree on a new operating budget. The state Senate the week before rejected a House-passed budget measure premised on a $7 billion revenue shortfall after Rauner threatened to veto it.

Two Questions: Could Illinois File Bankruptcy? Why Vote for Tax-Raising Politicians?

Written by John Biver

The news headlines these days should destroy forever the use of the cliché “it can’t get any worse” when the topic is Illinois politics – and that includes Republican, Democrat, fiscal, etc.

The first question in the above headline is from a very unsurprising CBS News report about just how bad things are in Illinois. A few excerpts from the article:

A financial crunch is spiraling into a serious problem for Illinois lawmakers, prompting some observers to wonder if the state might make history by becoming the first to go bankrupt.