House Republicans Launch 102 Ideas

House Republicans Launch 102 Ideas website
Cross asks public to contribute and get engaged

Springfield…Asking citizens to contribute ideas and get engaged in the debate about how to improve Illinois, House Republican Leader Tom Cross announced the creation of a website called www.102illinoisideas.com that is designed to serve as a forum for idea creation and discussion.

“We are looking for new, innovative ideas.  Failed policies of the past, closed door deal making and legislation from special interest groups have created a culture of cynicism and disengagement,” said Cross.  “Illinois will not move forward until government re-engages people in the process.  We need real discussion and real debate driven from innovative ideas from real people—from all 102 counties of Illinois.”

According to State Representative Bill Mitchell, each year many legislative initiatives are a result of local townhall meetings.  Now, the 102 ideas plan will take this local effort statewide.

“Illinois families face critical challenges.  Families wonder how they can afford college? If they have access to healthcare?  It only makes sense to have a dialog with them to see how we can work together to find solutions,” said Mitchell.

State Representative Joann Osmond said lawmakers will have access to all the ideas submitted and many may be drafted into legislation.
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“New ideas being generated from families across Illinois could have a profound impact on how we approach lawmaking,” said Osmond.

Cross said the ideas will be posted periodically on the website and will allow for public debate and discussion.

“If people want to change the way things are done in Springfield, then we need to change the way we approach generating ideas and engaging the public,” said Cross.  “We are excited about this program.”