Illinois Policy Institute CEO John Tillman released the following statement today:

“Special interests and lobbyists flooded the state capitol last week as lawmakers rushed a pension bill to the governor’s desk. But as has become the norm in Illinois, an important stakeholder was left out of the conversations: taxpayers.

“It has become clear with every tax hike, every marginal reform or delay of much-needed reforms that taxpayers need a stronger voice in Springfield. Information and research are not enough. Frustrated taxpayers frequently ask us how they can get involved and have a greater impact. To that end, the Illinois Policy Institute is pleased to announce the launch of Illinois Policy Action. Illinois Policy Action will provide a vehicle for taxpayers to join together around a common cause and amplify their voice in Springfield.

“Illinois Policy Action will serve as “boots on the ground” – and in the capitol – when it comes to advancing the Illinois Policy Institute’s ideas in Springfield. The mission of Illinois Policy Action will be to turn into law the policy solutions developed by the expert research team at the Illinois Policy Institute. Illinois Policy Action will operate as a nonprofit, nonpartisan 501(c)4 organization. Illinois Policy Institute and Illinois Policy Action have identical boards of directors and will share some staff and facilities. This expansion increases our ability to ensure that the voice of the taxpayers is heard more loudly than ever in Springfield.

“The Illinois Policy Institute remains committed to its mission to make Illinois first in economic outlook and job creation. The Institute pursues this mission by working to advocate for personal freedom and liberty. The Institute’s team of researchers and policy experts will continue to develop bold, free market policy solutions to Illinois’ problems, and to serve as a government watchdog and taxpayer advocate. The Illinois Policy Institute will continue to operate as a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, which means that the Institute does not advocate for a particular political party, does not endorse political candidates and does not partake in elections. This same nonpartisan approach will drive the advocacy work of Illinois Policy Action, and as with the Institute, our point of view will remain clear: pro-free market and a strong advocate for America’s founding principles.”