Illinois Policy Institute
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| Type | Think Tank |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2002 |
| Location | Chicago, IL |
| Key people | John Tillman, CEO |
| Area served |  Illinois |
| Focus | free market and liberty principles |
| Method | Media attention, direct-appeal campaigns, Liberty Leader volunteers |
| Revenue | $1.8 million in 2010 |
| Motto | Policy Changes Lives |
| Website | Illinois Policy Institute Homepage |
The Illinois Policy Institute is a think tank focusing “specifically on economic liberty and free market principles.”
According to the group's website, it seeks to "define the challenges facing Illinois residents, study how public policy can improve the situation and then craft positive, innovative solutions based on free enterprise principles."[1] Its primary focus areas include fiscal policy, educational choice and reform, government transparency, healthcare reform, as well as energy, transportation, urban and labor policy.
The Institute has become a force within Illinois politics and public policy, and the group focuses on solutions that appeal to a broad spectrum of Illinoisans. Says Stephen Moore of The Wall Street Journal: “The Illinois Policy Institute is the best thing to happen to my home state of Illinois in a long, long time. Step by step, they're leading the way for free markets and real political reform in a state that desperately needs both.”[2]
The organization is independent and not affiliated with any political party.[citation needed] They "work with anyone who supports our values on a particular issue, regardless of political or ideological affinity, including Democrats, Republicans and independents." The Institute does not endorse candidates or donate to political parties.[3]
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[edit] Vision, Mission, Approach
Vision
The Illinois Policy Institute’s vision is to make Illinois first in economic outlook and job creation and to become a free enterprise leader for the rest of America.
Mission
The Illinois Policy Institute inspires changes in hearts, minds and laws through our mission to promote personal freedom and prosperity in Illinois and America. As a leading independent research and education organization, the Institute generates positive and sustainable policy solutions for citizens and lawmakers that help unleash talent and entrepreneurial ability.
Approach
The Illinois Policy Institute’s approach is to transform liberty principles into marketable policies that become law. The ultimate sign of success is when free market ideas are turned into law and change lives for the better. What does this look like? Individuals and businesses become more prosperous without the fear of government favoritism or interference, families can choose a high quality education for their kids, and citizens respect their government because it is open and transparent to all.
[edit] Personnel
Senior Staff[4]
- John Tillman joined the Institute in 2007 as CEO. A successful entrepreneur, John has built and led organizations in the arenas of political activism, retailing, e-commerce and internet access. Tillman frequently appears on television and radio shows, including Fox News Chicago. In 2011, he won the Roe Award from the [State Policy Network] for his leadership, innovation and accomplishments in the world of public policy.
- Kristina Rasmussen is executive vice president. She directs the Institute's operations, legislative outreach, and policy research. Rasmussen specializes on budget and tax issues, health care, and economic competitiveness. Previously, she worked with the National Taxpayers Union.
- John M. O'Hara[5] is vice president of external affairs. He is also the author of A New American Tea Party, a book chronicling the history and principles of the tea party movement,
- Ted Dabrowski is vice president of policy. He develops solutions to the state’s economic and fiscal problems with a focus on Illinois budget and tax policy, health care, pension reform, education policy and job creation.
- Collin Hitt is senior director of government affairs. As a noted education reform proponent, he served on the Digital Learning Council. He blogs at IllinoisRising.com.
- Daniel Anthony is director of marketing and communications. His professional experiences span both the non-profit and corporate arena.
Board of Directors[6]
- Andy McKenna
- William (Bill) G. Becker III
- Steve Brown
- Terry T. Campo, Esq.
- Elizabeth Christie
- Richard T. Weiss
- John Tillman
The Institute has more than a dozen staffers based out of offices in Chicago and in the state’s capital, Springfield. The Institute hosts events around the state on a regular basis.
The Institute's Senior Fellows[7], Academic Advisory Board[8], and interns also help promote the group's mission.
[edit] Current projects
The Illinois Policy Institute organizes its programs around a number of different policy centers. These include fiscal policy, educational choice and reform, government transparency, health care reform, as well as energy, transportation, urban and labor policy.
Among its numerous policy publications, the Institute is known for releasing an annual alternative state budget, a Piglet Book detailing wasteful government spending, regular reports on charter school achievement as well as a Legislators' Guide to the Issues.
The organization regularly supports tax and spending limits, pension reforms, educational choice initiatives, freer markets for health care, and government transparency efforts.
A 2009 profile by the Illinois Times said the Institute is "working to strike the public’s nerve and "arguing for free-market in new ways and getting plenty of attention."[9]
[edit] Funding
The Illinois Policy Institute is a 501(c) organization under U.S. Internal Revenue Code. Consistent with its tax-exempt status, the Institute focuses on educational outreach and policy work.
The Institute obtains all of its funding from private donors and foundations. It does not accept government funding of any kind. According to its website, "The Illinois Policy Institute welcomes donations from individuals, foundations, and other organizations that support free market principles and liberty-based public policy initiatives for a better Illinois."[10]
[edit] References
- ^ http://illinoispolicy.org/content/?section=456§ion2=519&page=519&t=FAQs
- ^ http://illinoispolicy.org/content/?section=456§ion2=519&page=519&t=FAQs
- ^ http://illinoispolicy.org/content/?section=456§ion2=519&page=519&t=FAQs
- ^ http://illinoispolicy.org/content/?section=456§ion2=464&page=464
- ^ http://www.johnmohara.com
- ^ http://illinoispolicy.org/content/?section=456§ion2=463&page=463&t=Board-of-Directors
- ^ http://illinoispolicy.org/content/?section=456§ion2=516&page=516&t=Senior-Fellows
- ^ http://illinoispolicy.org/content/?section=456§ion2=520&page=520&t=Academic-Advisors
- ^ http://www.illinoistimes.com/Springfield/article-7520-conservative-think-tank-to-illinois-turn-right.html
- ^ http://illinoispolicy.org/content/?section=456&t=About-Us
