CHICAGO (April 10, 2025) – The Illinois Policy Institute announced today the addition of two former Illinois state representatives as policy advisers. Former Rep. Tom Demmer will focus on general fiscal research for the institute, while Rep. Mark Batinick will lend his expertise on pensions.

Demmer and Batinick will analyze state and local policy issues and help institute staff research and craft solutions to some of the state’s most pressing problems.

Demmer and Batinick will analyze state and local policy issues and help institute staff research and craft solutions to some of the state’s most pressing problems.

Demmer represented the 90th District from 2013 to 2023, advocating for more responsible state budgeting as the deputy House Republican leader, among various committee roles. He was also a former member of the Lee County Board and ran a statewide campaign for Illinois treasurer in 2022.

“Budget decisions affect families and businesses all across Illinois, and we should always ask questions, explore alternatives and challenge the status quo. I’m glad to bring my experience as a legislator and state budget negotiator to the Illinois Policy Institute team as we research policy proposals and advocate for fiscal responsibility,” Demmer said.

Batinick represented the 97th District from 2015 to 2023, served four years as the House Republican floor leader, was active on several committees including as the Republican spokesperson for the Personnel & Pensions Committee, and has published articles on fiscal matters in outlets across the country.

“During my time in the General Assembly, tackling complex pension issues became a true passion of mine,” Batinick said. “I look forward to building on those legislative successes and continuing to advocate for sustainable, responsible reforms with the Illinois Policy Institute.”

“Tom and Mark’s leadership is well respected, with proven track records of advancing and advocating for meaningful, pro-taxpayer reforms. They have decades of expertise combined, and we’re thrilled to get started with them to pursue a stronger, better Illinois,” said Matt Paprocki, president and CEO of the Illinois Policy Institute.

Background information on Illinois’ fiscal environment:

• Unfunded liabilities across the state’s five pension systems total $144 billion, though ratings agencies suggest the true debt is likely double. The city of Chicago has more public pension debt than 43 U.S. states.
• Spending in the state budget has grown $15 billion compared to 2019 with Gov. J.B. Pritzker proposing a record-setting $55.2 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year.
• Pritzker included a $13 billion pension benefit boost in his 2026 budget.
• Illinois is constitutionally required to have a balanced state budget. However, because of accounting and financial gimmicks and faulty revenue estimates, elected leaders have passed unbalanced budgets for years.

For interviews or interviews, contact media@illinoispolicy.org or (312) 607-4977.