Illinois should follow Wisconsin model

I see that Wis. Gov. Scott Walker will be coming to Lake County to address a Republican fundraiser dinner. Maybe Illinois taxpayers should kick in for a ticket so our Gov. Pat Quinn could attend. Quinn may learn something about effectively managing a state government.

It seems incredibly ironic that Walker who has reversed his state deficits, is balancing the budget, has raised the state credit rating and improved business climate while decreasing people’s taxes is facing a recall election. In labor union circles, Walker is the Antichrist while Quinn remains the darling of big labor bosses.

Consider that school districts that waited for Walker’s reforms are retaining and in many districts hiring new teachers while those that extended pre-Walker contracts are laying off teachers. Wisconsin welfare and medical aid services remain in tact; and employment opportunities are improving with unemployment lower than in Illinois or even the national average.

Meanwhile, Illinois is dead last in credit rating among states, ranks 48th in favorable business climate, and has an unfunded pension liability in severe crisis. Gov. Quinn keeps announcing proposed cuts in welfare and medical programs for the needy. Education statewide will suffer from cutbacks. Illinois is bankrupt with no relief in sight. Look for more tax increases.

I’m dumbfounded. If I were a young teacher looking for a teaching position, a liberal concerned about the needy, a union member anxious to get back to work, the most positive environment would be in Wisconsin. Nevertheless, these are the very people working hardest to replace Gov. Walker.

Andrew Ertmanis

Libertyville