1. Contact: Diana Steinberg FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: 267.231.0551
Email: drs5617@psu.edu
BARRY SIMPSON UNVEILS BOLD AGENDA FOR 2014
Transforming the Economy, Replacing Government Dysfuntion With Action, and Putting People
Above Party
CHICAGO (AP), Sept. 20, 2014 –Independent gubernatorial candidate Barry Simpson released a
video today, outling his multifaceted plan designed to stimulate the economy and restore statewide
government integrity.
“This agenda will strengthen local school districts, revamp infrastructure across the state, and pave
the way to make our communities safer,” said Simpson.
In his video today, the independent candidate proposed a series of actions which build upon one
another to help grow and stablize the economy. He emphasized making innovative investments to
improve the quality of education for students, monitoring spending while reducing taxes to create
jobs, and tending to critical infrastructure requirements throughout the state.
Education was the first order of business addressed by Simpson, as it is the cornnerstone of his
campaign.
“Many of the fundamental issues I want to address are interconnected. Meeting the educational needs
of students provides them a pathway to success and the tools to become productive members of
society, while also securing a more prosperous economic future for the state,” said Simpson.
To enhance the quality of education throughout Illinois, Simpson proposed an initiative to reward the
most effective teachers. Utilizing the comprehensive application of the teacher evaluation system, he
suggested creating an Exceptional Educator Fund, as means of incentive for teachers to strive for
excellence in the classroom. Outstanding teachers in participating locations will be eligible for up to
$10,000 in annual supplemental compensation through the Exceptional Educator Fund.
On tax relief, Simpson strives to collectively reduce the financial burden for all. Rather than using
revenue to increase spending, he proposed instead cutting taxes for citizens and businesses alike, to
fiscally liberate taxpayers and propel the economy. Additionally, to grow existing companies and
attract new businesses, Simpson advised eliminating the corporate income tax rate for manufacturers.
Simpson also seeks to transform and modernize the fundemental framework of Illinois through his
2014 adgenda. Under his leadership, the state will undertake major projects to improve and
strengthen infrastructure, including upgrading and replacing more than 750 bridges statewide.
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“Only three years ago, infrastructure in Illinois was ailing, and residents of our communities were
literally paying the price,” Simpson said. “Investing in our groundwork is vital for growing and
maintaining a strong economy. Our bridges connect businesses throughout the state and around the
world. Companies must have dependable means of transportation, and visitors to our state anticipate
an easy passageway. This initiative will guarantee Illinois remains a competitive and lucrative source
for business.”
Simpson is notorious for his staunch position against government dysfunction, and advocating for
government integrity is essentially his claim to fame. In a corresponding email to supporters directly
following the release of his video, he reinforced his stance against corrupt politics.
“With little time to acknowledge each and every facet of my 2014 itinerary in the video released
earlier today, I wanted to reieteriate and remphasize my thoughts on the matter which prompted my
run for office in the first place,” Simpson wrote. “Rebuilding public trust in legislation is my main
mission. For too long Illinois politics has been systemically carried out based upon skepticism,
cronyism, and unscrupulous behavior. If elected, I vow to create systems to guarantee government
activities are held accountable if wrongdoing occurs.”
Simpson has made rebuilding public trust in state government a top priority. This year, he will
continue to battle for reforms ensuring Illinois citizens have confidence in their elected officials. He
proposed implementing new laws against bribery and corruption, mandating public financing of
elections, and requiring code of ethics training for state workers.
In addition to the actions called for in his plan, Simpson has made clear his commitment to setting a
high bar for transparency in government throughout his campaign. He is the only candidate pledging
not to accept contributions from state lobbyists, and the only one in the race to disclose four years of
his tax returns to local media outlets.
Supporters of Simpson continue to rally from across the country in favor of his enthusiastic campaign
for government integrity.
“Of our last seven governors, four have ended up in prison. This has nearly caused irreparable
damage to the reputation of our state. For that reason, we need a candidate like Barry Simpson in
office, so residents of Illinois can once again place their faith in legislation to serve their best
interests and conduct business with honesty and transparency,” Finanace Director Kevin Smith said
in a statement.
Barry Simpson is a first-time independent candidate running for governor of Illinois in the 2014
election. Since launching his political career in 2012, he has been devoted to fostering honorable
statesmanship. Winner of over 20 national awards and recognitions, Simpson is acknowledged
countrywide for his outstanding efforts to enforce government transparency.
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For more information, please visit www.barrysimpson.gov.