North Cook News

State Rep.Tom Morrison (R-Palatine) is adamant in his belief that it is time for a certain kind of lawmaker in Springfield.

“We are looking for representatives that are serious about changing the trajectory of this state from one of higher taxes and more debt to one that is intent on empowering taxpayers by allowing them to keep more of their own money, thereby helping to make Illinois a destination state again,” Morrison told the Prairie State Wire.

Morrison has joined a coalition of conservative lawmakers that touts itself as being committed to reforming state government and changing the overall culture of Springfield.

Illinois State Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton)

He is joined in the newly minted coalition by state Sen. Kyle McCarter (R-Lebanon), and Reps. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) and Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville). GOP House candidates Darren Bailey, Dwight Kay, Chris Miller and Blaine Wilhour are also part of the group.

Morrison said he doesn’t expect the coalition to be able to bring about a quick fix but believes the alliance is a necessary step if the state is ever to have any chance of reviving itself.

“One of biggest items in the state budget is the pension payment system,” he said. “We need to be honest with constituents and public employees about how deep and wide the problems are. From there, we need to start enacting some of the solutions that other states have used to stop the bleeding, all the time looking to establish a sustainable path forward. We have too many in office that have ignored these problems for too long and only made things worse by continuing these old practices.”

Morrison said taxpayers can help end all the madness by putting more pressure on their representatives and leaving no doubt about what kind of state they want to call home.

He said the state is essentially comprised of the haves and those who don’t in terms of what areas of the state get certain perks and services.

“We are eager for a state that makes long-term investments all across the region,” Morrison said. “Right now, the look of it is parts of downtown Chicago are booming, while other areas are left to fend for themselves.”