Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Illinois’ economic growth is not big enough, or fast enough, to keep pace with competing states, say Illinois House Republicans.

“Bad public policy is squandering our potential,” said State Rep. Blaine Wilhour (pictured, left) (R-Beecher City), adding Illinois should be a “powerhouse” but instead is bereft of opportunity “for regular folks from all walks of life.”

Reducing property taxes sounds good, and State Rep. Dan Ugaste (pictured, at mic) (R-Geneva) says he’s mapped out a way to save billions.

“If we take 25 percent of our total budget, and what it is projected to be over 21 years, set it aside to pay first what we know are our obligations and projected obligations on pensions,” said Ugaste,” after we make that payment, if we take the rest of the money that’s left, and return it to the schools on a per-pupil basis, and insist that for every dollar they receive, they have to lower their property tax levy by one dollar, you get $82.4 billion of property tax relief.”

The House Republicans’ plan is called RISE – Reigniting Illinois’ Strong Economy.