Issues

As a working man and long-time resident of Chicago, John understands the issues that are important to all of us:

Fighting Corruption | Fixing the Economy | Promoting Clean Energy | Improving Education
Improving Public Health | Seniors & Veterans | Social Issues | Have your say!

Fighting Corruption

John will fight to make Illinois government work for everyone, not just the politically connected.  He supports…

  • Stricter campaign finance laws to reduce the role of money in politics.
  • An independent and transparent procurement process so that government contracts are given to the best bidder and not friends of politicians.
  • Increased oversight and transparency in the budgeting process.
  • Modest term limits for the governor and legislative leaders, and citizen recall of the governor.  This would prevent any one politician from becoming too powerful.
  • Ethics training for all state employees.
  • Fully execute the recommendations of the Illinois Reform Commission.
  • More...

Fixing the Economy

John recognizes the need to fix Illinois' $7-10 billion deficit and high unemployment.  He will…

  • Increase funding for job training programs to help displaced workers stay current and find new jobs.
  • Create jobs, by using federal stimulus money to encourage the construction of clean energy facilities across the state.
  • Support a modest progressive income tax in Illinois, so that everyone pays their fair share into the system.  This will boost state revenue by an estimated $4 billion, with little impact to lower-income workers.
  • Propose measures to reduce wasteful spending and decrease government bureaucracy.
  • Oppose the sale of public assets, such as the recent suggestion by Republican Jim Ryan that Illinois should privatize the tollway.
  • More...

Promoting Clean Energy

John understands that green industry can help our environment and boost Illinois' economy.  He will…

  • Fight to clean up or shut down the Fisk and Crawford coal power plants, which contribute to major health problems for residents of the 9th district.
  • Protect low-income neighborhoods from disproportionate pollution by requiring the Illinois EPA to take into account existing pollution when deciding whether or how to permit new sources.
  • Reduce utility bills through increased energy efficiency standards.
  • Ensure that Illinois' clean energy funds are used as planned and not redirected to other projects.
  • End subsidies for outdated, dirty coal power, which is currently the primary source of energy in Illinois.
  • Increase the role of natural gas as a baseload power source for Illinois, and promote the use of wind and solar power as supplemental sources.
  • More...

Improving Education

John recognizes the need to prepare our children for the future, and keep them off the streets.  He wants to…

  • Increase the state's role in funding education, which will help reduce inequalities caused by the property tax formula.
  • Ensure that the IHOPE program is fully funded so that it can effectively prevent students from falling through the cracks.
  • Raise the foundation level of per-pupil expenditures, and adjust it yearly relative to the employment cost index.
  • Require school food programs to serve healthy food so that students learn good habits and get the necessary nutrients for a productive day.
  • Require non-tenured teachers to pass an aptitude test in their subject area once a year.
  • Provide comprehensive, age-appropriate sex education.
  • More...

Improving Public Health

John believes healthier citizens benefit everyone.  He plans to…

  • Support proposals to provide basic health insurance coverage to all citizens of Illinois.
  • Expand publicly funded health care centers to reduce the number of emergency hospital room and private doctor visits.  One report by George Washington University estimates that this could save $250 billion over the next decade.
  • Encourage healthy living through more awareness programs, such as walking, running, and cycling events.
  • Fight to include chiropractic and other therapies in publicly funded health plans.
  • More...

Supporting Seniors and Veterans

John thinks we should treat seniors and veterans with honor and respect.  He will…

  • Lower property taxes for seniors by increasing homeowner exemptions.
  • Provide for the needs of our veterans by supporting funding for medical, job placement, and housing assistance programs.

Social Issues

John will fight for the social issues we care about.  He supports…

  • Full reproductive choice for women.
  • Marriage equality for same-sex couples.
  • Equal pay for equal work, regardless of race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.
  • The right to privacy.
  • Responsible gun ownershiph laws, including thorough background checks, and limits on the type and quantity of weapons sold.

Have Your Say!

If you have questions or comments about the issues, please feel free to e-mail info@johnburros.com or contact us by phone at 312-243-9637.  You can also sign up to our mailing list for occasional campaign updates.