Despite the many problems Illinois faces, there is much to be thankful for

Working at free market think tank in Illinois, it’s easy to get discouraged by bad policies. Despite the many problems Illinois faces, there is much to be thankful for. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, here are some of the things we are most thankful for this year: Illinois’ flat income tax. Illinois’ current flat tax...

Working at free market think tank in Illinois, it’s easy to get discouraged by bad policies.

Despite the many problems Illinois faces, there is much to be thankful for. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, here are some of the things we are most thankful for this year:

• Illinois’ flat income tax. Illinois’ current flat tax rate provides a predictable, sustainable and enticing climate for businesses and individuals. Illinois’ income tax structure has been levied at a non-graduated rate since its inception, showing a commitment to the state’s Constitution.

• Champions of good policy. There are principled lawmakers serving in the Illinois General Assembly who have made significant efforts to expand educational choice, offer free market solutions to health care policy, preserve Illinois’ flat and fair income tax rate, and lessen the regulatory burden on small businesses across the state. We are grateful for the leadership of champions of liberty such as state Reps. Patti Bellock, Dave McSweeney, Jeanne Ives, Joe Sosnowski, Ron Sandack, Tom Morrison, Jack Franks and state Sens. Jim Oberweis, Mike Connelly, Matt Murphy and Kyle McCarter.

• Illinois entrepreneurs. Many entrepreneurs bet on Illinois, build their businesses here, pursue their version of the American Dream and create the prosperity necessary to change people’s lives for the better. These risk-takers create opportunities that pave the way for the economy to flourish, fostering an environment where businesses can thrive and create the jobs Illinoisans need.

• Not increasing our tax burden. The Illinois Policy Institute was able to work with members of the Joint Commission on Administrative Rules to prevent a rule that would have imposed a tax on shipping and handling costs on all shipments originating in Illinois.

• The courts striking down an unconstitutional tax. Last month, the Illinois Supreme Court struck down the “Amazon tax,” terminating a revenue grab that was passed in 2011 and had since driven technology-based jobs out of the state.

• Brave union members. For the rank-and-file government union members who share their stories and fears with us, further confirming that our policy solution – to modernize the state’s retirement system by ending political control and give government workers the secure retirement they deserve – is meaningful for taxpayers, public sector workers and future generations of Illinoisans.

• Building momentum. The Institute’s model legislation opposing the federal bailout of state pension systems has been introduced in California, Indiana and Michigan since state Reps. Renée Kosel and Dwight Kay introduced it to the Illinois General Assembly in 2012. This development is an important step in maintaining the momentum the Institute has created on our No Pension Bailout project.

• Amazing donors. The generosity of all of our donors makes our work possible. Their contributions provide my colleagues and me with the unique opportunity to pursue our shared goal of making the Institute’s vision a reality: that one day, Illinois will be first in economic outlook and job creation.

• Dedicated activists. Loyal activists share our work and help spread our message far and wide: that the free market system is the greatest force for good – especially for the poor and disadvantaged – ever created.

At the Illinois Policy Institute, we promote personal freedom and prosperity, while changing hearts, minds and laws along the way. We get to spend every day making our home state a better place to live, work and learn. Now that is something to be thankful for.