Kay’s Pledge to “Get Illinois Working The Right Way”

  • I pledge to work to eliminate wasteful government spending.
  • I pledge to help small and large businesses bring high-paying jobs back to Illinois.
  • I pledge to vote “no” for any tax increase.
  • I pledge to sponsor educational reforms that put students first.
  • I pledge to bring accountability and openness to state government.
  • I pledge to hold regular town hall meetings to listen to you.
  • I pledge to fight the corruption of Illinois machine politics.
  • I pledge to support term limits.

I pledge to work to eliminate wasteful government spending.

A 2007 Inventory of State Programs audit conducted by the Illinois Auditor General found that nearly 100 state agencies reported over 1,750 state programs. It was stated in the audit: “The State does not have a comprehensive, consistent inventory of state programs.”  The simple fact is, the state does not know how many programs actually exist, which is why Dwight supports an audit of each state agency line-by-line resulting in identifying wasteful government spending.

We deserve a government that will be as frugal with our tax dollars as families must be with their money every day. And that means cutting back in tough times. Springfield politicians have increased state government spending by 39 percent in the last decade and mortgaged our children’s future.

Dwight will fight to restore a bright future for Illinois for generations to come.

I pledge to help small and large businesses bring high-paying jobs back to Illinois.

Times are tough.  Since 2001, Illinois has lost 355,208 jobs.  Dwight recognizes that jobs are leaving because of the 300+ taxes and fees that Springfield politicians have levied on employers. The American Legislative Exchange Council study Rich States, Poor States ranks Illinois 48th in economic performance and 40th in worker’s compensation costs. The U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform ranks Illinois 45th in regards to legal fairness in our courts. The truth is, Illinois is at a disadvantage when attracting employers and new jobs to Illinois.

Dwight will make overhauling the state’s business climate his top priority.

I pledge to vote “no” for any tax increase.

According to the Tax Foundation, nationally, Illinois is the 14th highest-taxing state with the 6th highest gasoline tax, the 10th highest property tax rate, and the 16th highest sales and excise tax.

Illinois taxpayers are over taxed. State government must live within its means, just like families do. That means saying “no” to any tax increase.

Dwight supports requiring a 3/5 majority for the legislature to increase taxes.

In February 2010, Dwight Kay signed the Illinois Taxpayer Protection Pledge to oppose any effort to increase taxes.

I pledge to sponsor educational reforms that put students first.

Schools throughout the Metro East are not receiving the funds promised by the state. This is resulting in teacher layoffs and the slashing of necessary programs. Our kids are being shortchanged as more and more school dollars are being quietly reallocated away from the classroom, so that Springfield politicians can waste tax dollars on their pet projects.

Dwight wants to put Illinois’ students first when it comes to educational reforms.

I pledge to bring accountability and openness to state government.

For decades Springfield politicians have passed $40-50-billion-dollar state budgets within a matter of minutes, resulting in nearly $80 billion in pension liabilities and more than $110 billion in debt forced onto future generations.

Dwight supports a legislative initiative that will do the following:

  • Require a 3-day review period of the state budget before the General Assembly can vote on it;
  • Mandate that all appropriation bills be posted on the Illinois General Assembly website 3 days prior to any vote.

I pledge to hold regular town hall meetings to listen to you.

Too many politicians focus on the next election and do not listen to the cares and concerns of their constituents. Dwight Kay believes it is important to update the constituents of the 112th district on a regular basis, as well as address their questions and hear their views.

Dwight will hold regular town hall meetings throughout the district to answer your questions and let you know how your tax dollars are being spent.

I pledge to fight the corruption of Illinois machine politics.

Illinois has an undeniable reputation for having corrupt elected officials. In 2008, Dwight Kay led the Metro East’s effort to begin the impeachment process of then Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich. Dwight collected over 1,300 online petition signatures from citizens supporting impeachment.

Dwight supports an initiative to deter and expose corruption in state government by posting all government expenditures online, including the expenditures of state legislators and statewide office holders.

I pledge to support term limits.

Nationally, the turnover rate for Illinois’ legislature ranks in the bottom 5 percent. The massive pension debt and spending from our veteran legislature is out of control.  It’s time to start fresh and elect new representation.