As treasurer Cross will make a difference

Over the last decade, our state has faced increasingly serious fiscal challenges that are hurting Illinoisans’ quality of life. Unfortunately, the response of the Democrats’ leaders who have controlled Springfield for more than a decade has been both to ignore the problems and spend their way out of them. It is clear Illinois needs to go in a different direction.

Tom Cross and I have worked together to fight unnecessary spending, strengthen our state’s balanced budget requirement and develop a comprehensive, fair pension reform plan that protects both retirees and taxpayers.

Tom is running for state treasurer because he wants to restore trust, protect taxpayers and make a real, serious difference in the lives of our state’s citizens. As a former prosecutor, Tom has the skills and determination needed to be a vigilant fiscal watchdog who will protect Illinois taxpayers — and that starts by balancing our budget.

State law requires that Illinois have a balanced budget. On day one, Tom will use all the powers available to him to enforce the state’s balanced budget requirement, including legal action if necessary. Taxpayers deserve no less.

As treasurer, Tom will also create a Government Integrity Unit, composed of financial experts, former prosecutors and law enforcement officers, to continue his efforts to reform state government by cracking down on the fraud and corruption that are bankrupting our pension system.

The simple truth is that the right decisions for Illinois families are not being made in Springfield. As our treasurer, Tom Cross will bring new, innovative and bold solutions to fix Illinois and put us on a path to prosperity. I like Tom’s vision and the energy he brings to the task and know he will make an outstanding treasurer.

State Sen. Matt Murphy

27th District

Palatine