In Springfield the debate centers on which "revenues" to raise in order to plug budget gaps, albeit temporarily, and which cuts will be the least painful in order to inch closer to solvency. However, the true long-term solution to our budget woes lies in neither of these options. The only way to put Illinois back on the path to prosperity is to grow the economy, attract investment, and create jobs to put our hard-working citizens back to work. The Senate Republicans have unveiled a 30-point plan to do just that, and many of the ideas ought to be inserted into the debate in the capitol. See the plan here.

Be an Ambassador: You cannot inform your family, friends, and neighbors of the problem if you don't understand the solution. Don't simply say "cut spending and create jobs" because that is what conservatives say: read the 30-point plan for yourself then determine to talk to 3 people this week about it.