I’m Rich Whitney, Green Party candidate for Governor of Illinois. There are many problems facing our state, but the budget crisis, and the related problem of school funding is the number one issue facing the people of Illinois today -- because until we come to grips with the flaws in our tax system, our system of school funding and the structural deficit, it will be very difficult to tackle any of our other pressing problems- such as rising energy prices and the need to develop new sources of energy.

Our present tax system relies too heavily on property taxes to fund our schools and is one of the most unfair systems in the nation, taxing lower- and middle-income workers at more than twice the rate as the extremely wealthy. I am campaigning for a comprehensive tax reform, based on House Bill 750, which would make our tax system more progressive, ease the burden on lower and middle-income working people, while raising enough revenue to fund our schools at the recommended foundation level, adequately fund our colleges and human services, pay health-care providers on time and meet – rather than cheat our pension obligations. This plan would also provide mandatory property tax abatements of 20-25 percent per school district, so that homeowners and farmers will finally get some badly needed property tax relief.

In this race, I am the only candidate who is standing up for the people – running on a platform of clean government, clean energy, universal health care through a single-payer system and a commitment to full employment at a living wage. Green Party candidates do no accept corporate campaign contributions – we cannot be bought or sold and we are serious about fighting for government of, by and for the people.  Please support real change in this election and vote for me, Rich Whitney, on November 7th.