Budget:

• Voters are rightfully frustrated with government at every level that spends, taxes, and borrows too much, while making too many promises. To address these concerns, we must ensure that the state budget is frugal, realistic and results-oriented. Each tax dollar MUST be accounted for.    

• The state should review consolidating or streamlining units of governments to save money and improve the quality of service to constituents.

• State government must be cost-effective and accountable without raising taxes or assuming debt we cannot afford.

• Budget 101: “If its not in the account, don’t write the check.” Illinois must implement zero-balance budgeting.

• Medicaid reform: "STOP THE FRAUD"  70 million dollars are paid to people on medicaid that DONT live in Illinois.  We need restrictions for people applying for medicaid and yearly reviews.

 Economic Development:

• The lingering economic downturn has dramatically affected both businesses and citizens in Illinois. As an advocate for our district, we must do more to ensure that prosperity returns.

• I am committed to strategies such as providing and expanding tax incentives for new job growth; investing in workers through community colleges and job training programs, and supporting entrepreneurs through small-business.

• Offer “IDES” Illinois Department Employment Services reductions for any new small business that is in Illinois for a period of 5 years and for any business that hires War-Time Veterans with at least 90 days of active duty, 1 day beginning or ending during a period of conflict and any adult with special needs.

• I would continue my fight for all residential property owners to appeal their property taxes two times a year. For those of us that live in Cook County, we all know the nightmare of appealing our property taxes. I would continue to fight for fair and equal assessments using comparable properties and work closely with the Cook County Township Assessors.

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• The mission of the township assessor in COOK COUNTY ONLY is to provide information and services which are accessible, prompt and accurate. This is possible, in part, because township government is so close to the local property owner. Cook County Township Assessors DO NOT assess property values. This is done by the Cook County Assessors Office.

• I believe we need to create a business climate that allows us to recruit companies from other states, adding jobs and opportunities for our residents. I would work to:   Reverse the Democrats’ 67% tax increase,  Create an environment for long-term job growth, Cut wasteful government spending and reform our pension and worker’s compensation systems.   

Second Amendment: I support concealed carry in Illinois. I believe that the second amendment of The Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to bear arms. We are the last state in the nation that will not allow its citizens the right to bear arms, in regards to concealed carry. I am a member of the I.S.R.A.(Illinois State Rifle Association) and have been a law enforcement officer for 27 years. Citizens that are trained and licensed should be able to protect themselves. I also believe that by not allowing law abiding citizens to carry concealed weapons makes them vulnerable to people who are already carrying concealed weapons in an illegal manner.Public Pensions: 
To begin solving Illinois' overwhelming unfunded pension burden, we will need to work with all sides to achieve an acceptable and enduring solution.  With any fair and just negotiation, there will need to be compromises offered by both sides.  

Therefore, I propose that if state legislators agree to bill language guaranteeing that state and local government will make its required payments to the state and municipal-funded pension systems, those who have public pensions (including teachers, state employees, public safety and university employees) current employees will have to increase their own contributions to secure their pension benefits.
Employees didn’t cause the crisis, but public pension holders should be willing to help fix it, if state and local government will guarantee that politicians will never again divert pension money to fund other expenses.
2. There needs to be a full review of state revenues and a close look at loopholes.
3. Current retirees will be exempt, as they are living on an earned and needed pension. There needs to be open dialogue with all stake holders, for discussing compounding COLA’s for current members. Also open dialogue with all stake holders for discussing increasing the age for retirement.
4. “Double Dipping” will be eliminated. A person cannot collect a tax payer pension and then work doing the same type of job (as defined by their job description) collecting a tax payer paycheck.
b. State Employees = Working full time within any department funded by the State of Illinois budget.
c. Public Safety = A retiree cannot collect a tax payer public safety pension and be re-hired by the same municipality doing the same type of job collecting a tax payer pay check.

Transportation:

• Our roads are the vital connection for people throughout the state. They drive our economy and provide us access to agricultural markets, higher education, and health care. We need to continue to invest in our crumbling infrastructure.

Marriage: My wife Laura and I have been married for 25 years, and we have two grown sons together.  While I believe in the traditional definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman, I support some aspects of civil unions in Illinois. (750 ILCS 75/) Illinois Religious Freedom Protection and Civil Union Act.Education Funding:

• A recent Rutgers University study gave Illinois an “F” in public education funding. High local property taxes are funding the wealthiest school districts in Illinois. We are spending three to four times more than the downstate average, yet, we are struggling to build schools and attract talented teachers.

• I will work closely with parents, administration, teachers and school boards. Currently, some of our administrators’ salaries and pensions are outrageous. We should be working together in partnership for our common goal, our children.