Health & Fitness

Think term limits are the answer for Illinois? Not so fast

TERM LIMIT LIMITS Now that Bruce Rauner has started a big-money political action committee aimed at getting a term limit amendment onto the November 2014 ballot, term limits have become a serious issue for the 2014 election cycle. Not a new issue by any means, of course. Disgruntled voters in Illinois have long championed term limits as a cure for Illinois' political ills. One of them in 1994 was State Treasurer Pat Quinn, who tried unsuccessfully to do exactly what Rauner now is trying to do. But there are many unintended consequences that can accompany term limit laws, like handing power to legislative staffers and lobbyists. I discuss these in a blog post today. It's not as simple as you might think.

IN DEPTH Political scientist Christopher Mooney of the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois took a hard look at term limits in a 2007 study. It doesn't read like an academic paper and should be required reading for Illinois voters as the term limit discussion heats up in the months to come. Check it out here.

GOP DECISION DAY Illinois House Republicans fell to super-minority status in the 2012 election. They're on the verge of becoming irrelevant if the slide continues. (Some observers believe they're already there.) Today is a critical day for the House Republicans as they gather in Springfield to select a new leader to replace Tom Cross, who is running for state treasurer. The Chicago Tribune editorial board voices a very strong opinion today on the import of this decision, which pits Rep. Raymond Poe of Springfield against Rep. Jim Durkin of Western Springs. We discuss what's at stake in a blog post today.

Find out what's happening in Palatinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

MY, WHAT AN UNUSUAL TRUNK YOU HAVE If you're Raymond Poe, this is not the cartoon you want to see this morning in the state's biggest newspaper. Click to see the whole thing.

WHY ILLINOIS IS GREAT The countdown is on to Sept. 3 and the closing of our "Why Illinois Is Great" photo contest. It would be a shame if you missed the chance to show us why you believe Illinois is great and deserves government management to reflect that greatness. Even if you don't want to enter, please cast a vote for your favorite entry. All the information and entries are here. It's easy and fun. Come on! 

Find out what's happening in Palatinewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

TAX TALK Something is going to change with Illinois' state income tax on Jan. 1, 2015. Either we'll have a new extension of the current, temporary 5 percent income tax; we'll see the rate drop to 3.75 percent as currently scheduled; or the General Assembly may have been given the authority to implement a progressive income tax with higher rates for higher income levels. The last option can happen only if voters are offered a chance to vote on it in November 2014. Whether a progressive tax system is right for Illinois is the topic of a discussion Reboot Illinois will host Sept. 9 with the Naperville Chamber of Commerce. Ralph Martire of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability will take the pro-progressive tax side and Ted Dabrowski of the Illinois Policy Institute will advocate for keeping the tax rate flat and low. We hope you'll join us. Register and find out more here.

TOP 5 We scan the news so you don't have to. Here are five important news and opinion articles from around Illinois today.

5. Utilizing a brand new law, the Illinois Tollway published a list of toll violators who owe at least $1,000. (Chicago Sun-Times)
4. GOP gubernatorial candidate Kirk Dillard dropped hints on who his running partner will be. (Quincy Journal)
3. On paper, Bill Daley appears to have the pedigree to defeat Pat Quinn in the primary, but elections don't happen on paper. (Chicago Tribune)
2. Details leaking out about a possible pension reform bill are not kind to taxpayers in Illinois. (Quincy Journal)
1. Despite objections and a boycott, the Chicago Board of Education approved the Chicago Public Schools budget. (Chicago Sun-Times

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