What Would You Like to Accomplish During the
Next Legislative Session?
Reform Pension Plan
John J. Cullerton
Senate President | Illinois
“Recently, Illinois approved sweeping changes to public pensions by creating a new tier of benefits for new employees. Our reforms will save taxpayers $72 billion and reduce future liabilities by more than a quarter-trillion dollars. But our work on pension reform is not over. In the next year, as pension costs continue to pressure the state budget, we will be working to further reform the system while preserving constitutionally protected pensions for current employees and retirees.“
Reform Health Care Payments
Therese Murray
Senate President | Massachusetts
“Growing health care costs continue to impede job creation and economic growth and the Massachusetts Legislature is committed to taking the first step in payment reform. We are focused on passing legislation that will improve governance and fiscal accountability in Massachusetts’ education collaboratives as a result of financial abuses in some of our collaboratives. And it continues to be our priority to improve efficiency, transparency and accountability in our state government through state finance reform legislation.”
Restore Fiscal Sanity
Jase Bolger
Speaker | Michigan
“We will continue to focus on making Michigan a better state for our kids and grandkids. We will continue restoring fiscal sanity by getting government spending under control, retiring long-term debt and making Michigan a better place to find a job by making Michigan a better place to provide a job. Responsible budgets, revolutionized tax structure, removing regulatory barriers to expansion and job growth, and addressing the education of students are key to Michigan's resurgence.”
Improve Education
John A. Alario Jr.
Senator | Louisiana
“I believe the crucial issues facing Louisiana will be education reform and economic development. The emphasis on improving elementary and secondary education will be a top priority during our regular legislative session as we try to improve educational opportunities for our children. The funds invested in education and its related programs will pay dividends. We (also) will make every effort to improve our economy through education and job creation.”
Balance the Budget
Beth Harwell
Speaker | Tennessee
“Always high on the priority list is balancing our state budget in a fiscally responsible way, with no new taxes or tax increases. We will continue our work to make sure Tennessee is open for business by keeping taxes low and minimizing regulation, fostering an environment where businesses can grow. Having just implemented education reforms for the Race to the Top program, we will monitor those reforms to ensure children are being given the very best education possible.”
