MPC February 2004 Media Tips
Like many states and the federal government, Illinois
continues to work against a bleak budget picture. MPC released a 2004 Policy
Agenda
in February that is cost-efficient, highlighting ways state
government can save money by planning better for the future.
“Sustaining an economic recovery requires strategic
investments today,” said President MarySue Barrett. “Quality schools, for
example, are the bedrock of a solid economic future. Without a well-educated
workforce, Illinois will not be prepared for the increasingly knowledge-based
economy of the future. That is why the education reform work of A+ Illinois is
our top priority for 2004.” MPC helped launch A+ Illinois — a broad-based,
statewide campaign to improve education quality, raise minimum per-student
funding, and enact lasting property tax reform.
MPC’s policy agenda, available here
, also sees
improving roads and transit as important engines for job growth, and seeks a new
and innovative five-year state infrastructure spending program. It also calls
for funding the Local Planning Technical Assistance Act, to maximize the impact
of state investments by preparing for future growth where it is appropriate and
most needed.