Prairie State Wire

Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Litchfield) is one of several Republicans who are backing a plan they believe will make Illinois more attractive to current and future residents.

The Republican-driven Reimagine Illinois plan focuses on four principles: ending the culture of corruption; instituting responsible, fiscal leadership; growing jobs and public safety.

“I stand here with and on behalf of my colleagues to put forth a positive and actionable plan to make Illinois a better place to live and work and raise our families,” Bourne said at a March 15 press conference outlining the priorities of Republicans.

When it comes to corruption, Bourne said some bills had been proposed that she thinks will make a difference.

“This includes exposing and eliminating conflict of interest and banning assembly members from lobbying,” she said, adding, “empowering citizens to act when the Legislature do not” also stands to make a major difference.

On the financial front, Bourne said, “by proposing to bring back responsible, fiscal leadership, we believe we can give citizens confidence in taxpayer dollars being spent well.”

Bourne said the way to slow outmigration is for the government to give people the confidence to build and grow their businesses within Illinois.

“We need to enact meaningful ways we can care for our families by giving them opportunities and education,” she said. “We also need to create a back the badge program, reform or repeal our FOID system and study the recent bail reform plan. We really believe these are reforms that will help Illinois be the best home we can be.”