On the Issues

Jobs and Growth

Like President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Governor Quinn believes that the best social policy ever devised is a good job. Pat's jobs and growth for Illinois plan is a crucial component of Illinois' economic recovery. Quinn knows that creating jobs is the best way to fight poverty. It's the best way to fight crime. It's the best way to keep families together. And it's the best way to increase state revenues, reduce social spending and help balance the state budget.

Veterans and Military Families

Governor Pat Quinn’s advocacy for servicemembers, veterans and their families has been recognized from coast to coast. From his groundbreaking efforts to provide financial relief to the families of National Guard and military reservists who are called up, to his recent trip to visit Illinois troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, Governor Quinn has proven his heartfelt commitment to the brave men and women who have fought for our freedom.

Fiscal Responsibility and Tax Fairness

For more than 30 years, Pat Quinn has been fighting for tax fairness in Illinois and standing up for reforms of our unfair, regressive income tax policy. As Governor, Pat Quinn proposed a budget plan to rescue state government from a fiscal nightmare while providing more tax relief than Illinois working families have seen in a generation.

Health Care

Health care is not a privilege, it is a fundamental right. As Governor, Pat Quinn has been a vocal advocate for health care reform and a strong supporter of a public option. Throughout his more than 30 years in public service, he's worked to bring adequate health care to everyone in Illinois. Governor Quinn has specifically targeted groups that don't receive adequate health care, and he has protected the benefits of the groups that already do.

Ethics and Reform

When Governor Quinn took office, on Jan. 29, 2009, the state of Illinois was rocked by political corruption scandals and reeling from the arrest and impeachment of his predecessor. Since then, Governor Quinn has enacted a long list of powerful reforms that are bringing integrity to state government and restoring the people’s faith in their elected officials.

 

Environment and Green Energy

Illinois' economy is changing, and Governor Quinn knows that we must adapt to compete. Job growth in our state will increasingly be the result of green energy and technology projects, such as wind power, ethanol, biodiesel, and clean coal. In order to build Illinois' green economy, and to ensure that our children will grow up with a clean environment, we need to renew our commitment to protecting and defending our natural resources.

Education

Even though we find ourselves in tough economic times, it is more important than ever to invest in education. Disadvantaged students require financial aid, students with learning disabilities need early diagnosis and accommodation, and students that work hard in high school deserve a fair chance of entering our state's universities. Illinois's schools and the state's economic health are inextricably linked, and as Governor Quinn said in his 2009 budget address, "Education is the key to equal opportunity and economic empowerment."

LGBT Issues

Governor Pat Quinn is a strong, outspoken supporter of equal rights for all. He has proven his opposition to discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. He also has made state services that are important to the GLBT community, such as treatment, care and education for HIV/AIDS and breast and cervical cancer, a top priority of his Administration.