Ill. Policy Institute: Capitol Day, Fight Quinn’s Tax Hike, Education Reform‏

December 16, 2010 | Filed Under Budget, Democrats/Leftists, Government, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois State Government, Liberals, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

Capitol Day: Join Us January 5!

A number of highly important issues including the proposal to hike income taxes, a landmark voucher bill, and pension reform are anticipated to be voted on early in the new legislative session. That’s why the Illinois Policy Institute is going down to Springfield on January 5 with our Liberty Leaders. We’re chartering a bus from the Chicagoland area. Join us on Capitol Day!
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Illinois Policy Institute Breaking Report: A Public Menace in Cook County‏

December 11, 2010 | Filed Under Budget, Democrats/Leftists, Economy/Finances, Elections, Government, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois State Government, Liberals, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle has seen a “strong desire and need for real transformation in the County.” A good place to start this much-needed transformation process would be at the county’s Adult Probation Department, which receives more than $43 million per year to keep the public safe by monitoring dangerous criminals sentenced to probation rather than prison.

Preckwinkle will soon discover these taxpayer dollars are being poorly spent and the department is not keeping people safe–a key tenant of Preckwinkle’s “Compact for Change.”

My latest special report reveals how the Cook County Adult Probation Department, according to its own chief probation officer, “dropped the ball,” by allowing a convicted sexual predator to go unmonitored, which resulted in his arrest for molesting a 13-year-old girl. The special report also documents how a lack of leadership, transparency, and accountability have crippled the department, while senior staff worked off-duty jobs, including providing a personal security detail for Rev. Jeremiah Wright Jr.
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Ill. Policy Institute: Cancun Fiesta!‏

December 6, 2010 | Filed Under Budget, Climate Change, Democrats/Leftists, Energy, Environment, Global Warming, GOP, Government, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois State Government, Liberals, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

Climate Fiesta in Cancun!
The UN Climate Change Conference is underway in Cancun and Americans for Prosperity cut this video of climate change activists (you know, the ones who want to ration travel, energy, food, and the like) whooping it up at a beach party. Apparently, rationing is for the rest of us.

Spotlight on Spending: Foster Grandparents
Encouraging volunteerism among Illinois’s senior citizens is a worthy goal, with many benefits for both individual volunteers and those they serve, but is the Illinois state government doing a good job at accomplishing these goals—or should be looking for ways to increase senior involvement beyond government programs? Our latest Spotlight on Spending asks these questions.
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Pay Disparity in Illinois‏

November 29, 2010 | Filed Under Budget, Democrats/Leftists, Economy/Finances, Ethics, Government, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois State Government, Liberals, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

Illinois is in rough shape. Out of all of the states, Illinois is:

48th in economic performance
47th in economic outlook
48th in domestic migration
48th in job growth

With those poor results it’s curious to note that our state has the:

2nd highest Governor’s salary
2nd highest Secretary of State’s salary
3rd highest Attorney General’s salary
5th highest Lieutenant Governor’s salary

Our 17th report in the “Spotlight on Spending” series highlights the alarming disparity between nationwide averages and the salaries and pay levels for our statewide elected officials.
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Illinois Policy Institute Update

November 24, 2010 | Filed Under Democrats/Leftists, Government, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois State Government, Liberals, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

You may have joined us earlier this month for our Election Night Party when we watched and celebrated as free market proponents took control of the U.S. House of Representatives. Now, what’s in store for Illinois in 2011? I hope you’ll join us on Wednesday, December 8, for our annual holiday party to find out. Come kick off the holiday season and hear from Congressman Peter Roskam, who will share insight on how developments in Washington will affect you next year.

You can RSVP here. The holiday party sold out last year, so reserve your spot now—I hope to see you there! In the meantime, Happy Thanksgiving!
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Unions Attempting to Take Away Public’s Right to Know in Illinois

November 18, 2010 | Filed Under Budget, Democrats/Leftists, Ethics, Government, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois State Government, Liberals, Regulation, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

Earlier this year, the House and Senate passed HB 5154, a union-backed bill which would permanently take government employee performance evaluations out of the public sphere. Read more about why this matters to watchdogs like you.

Governor Pat Quinn issued an “amendatory veto” that rightly narrowed the scope of the bill (only police performance records would be off limits). However, today the House voted to override his veto.

Our very own Director of Government Reform Kate Piercy notes, “If the Senate agrees, performance reviews will be sealed forever. Goodbye transparency.”
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Unions’ Preferred Rating for Teachers: NR

November 13, 2010 | Filed Under Congress, Dan Proft, Democrats/Leftists, Education, Government, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Liberals | Comments Off

-By Dan Proft, for the Illinois Policy Institute

Amid the contentious debate as to how we improve public education in America, there is one reality to which all parties subscribe: there is no substitute for a quality teacher in the classroom.

The scholarship on teacher quality is clear. It is the most important school-related factor in student achievement. Some studies suggest the difference between having a good teacher and having a bad one can exceed one grade-level equivalent in annual achievement growth.

Geoffrey Canada, founder of the Harlem Success Academy charter school in New York City, has said a great teacher is like a great artist and should be recognized as such.

So why are the teachers’ unions fighting that recognition?
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October 11,12: Illinois Turnaround Tour DuPage County & McHenry County

October 10, 2010 | Filed Under Democrats/Leftists, DuPage County, Elections, GOP, Government, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois State Government, Liberals, McHenry, Republicans | Comments Off

The Illinois Policy Institute is sponsoring a bus tour (The Illinois Turnaround Tour) of the state to get voters excited about the fast approaching elections. This week they have stops in nearby DuPage and McHenry Counties.

Real change starts here…and real change starts with you.

Think the national government is a mess? Take a closer look at Illinois.

For years, Illinois politicians have driven our state in the wrong direction—a direction that’s leading us to financial ruin. That’s why we’re launching the Illinois Turnaround Campaign, focused on practical, common-sense solutions to our state’s problems:

Illinois Policy Institute: The Mob Files‏

October 2, 2010 | Filed Under Budget, Democrats/Leftists, Economy/Finances, Elections, Government, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois State Government, Liberals, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

The Unbearable Heaviness of Britain
Health officials in the UK are growing aghast at their country’s collective chubbiness. So what’s the proposed government solution? Paying pounds…for citizens to lose pounds. View the BBC report below.

The Mob Files
How did a former mob bookie wind up getting a top job with the state after his name got dragged through a prominent “Family Secrets” trial? You can watch John Tillman discuss the state’s mob debacle on Fox News here.
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Ill. Policy Institute: How Has Government Policy Affected You?‏

September 28, 2010 | Filed Under Budget, Chicago, Democrats/Leftists, Economy/Finances, Elections, Government, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois State Government, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

from the Illinois Policy Institute…

Earlier this year, the Illinois Policy Institute released our inaugural Legislators’ Guide to the Issues.

As we update the guide for 2011, we want to incorporate the voices of citizens all across the state of Illinois on how policy has changed their lives for better or worse. Over the next month, we will be soliciting your views on 3 featured topics each week. Here are the first 3 topics.
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Illinois Policy Institute Update

September 25, 2010 | Filed Under Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

The Greatest Show on Earth
Watching explosions from the latest Transformers movie on Michigan Avenue and catching glimpses of movie stars like Johnny Depp and Angelina Jolie may provide an exciting novelty for Illinois residents. But is it worth the price? Our latest Spotlight on Spending highlights the glitz, glamour, and surprising cost of the Illinois film tax credit.

Watch Out for Scabs…
What happens when a union protesting a Wal-Mart (for, among other things, paying minimum wage) hires a bunch of non-union picketers and pays them…that’s right…minimum wage? The Daily Show offers an amusing takedown of union hypocrisy below.
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September 28: Illinois Turnaround Tour Lake/Cook County (Northbrook)

September 24, 2010 | Filed Under Democrats/Leftists, Elections, GOP, Government, Government, Corruption, House of Representatives, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Liberals, Republicans, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

Real change starts here…and real change starts with you.

Think the national government is a mess? Take a closer look at Illinois.

For years, Illinois politicians have driven our state in the wrong direction—a direction that’s leading us to financial ruin.

That’s why we’re launching the Illinois Turnaround Campaign, focused on practical, common-sense solutions to our state’s problems.
Read more

Ill. Policy Institute: Republicans at War?‏

September 21, 2010 | Filed Under Budget, Democracy, Democrats/Leftists, Economy/Finances, Free Trade, Government, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Jobs, Liberals, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

Republicans at War?
There’s no shortage of opinions regarding Tuesday’s Delaware primary results, which sent Tea Party favorite Christine O’Donnell into the running for Joe Biden’s U.S. Senate seat. Is the GOP “at war,” or is something else in play? What does O’Donnell’s victory mean for both parties across the country? Check out a roundup of TV news—and late night talkers.

What Karl Rove Should Have Said
When political strategist Karl Rove famously weighed in on O’Donnell’s victory in Delaware, he didn’t try to hide his disapproval of the political upstart. Raising several questions about her past, he also expressed doubts in her political abilities: “I’ve got to tell you, I wasn’t frankly impressed as her abilities as a candidate.” What should Rove have said instead? Click here to read more.
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Illinois Policy Institute: Say It Ain’t So!‏

September 5, 2010 | Filed Under Illinois Policy Institute, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

“Spend More…Tax Less”
That’s the prescription from departing White House economist Christina Romer, who makes a call for more stimulus projects in her farewell speech. We shouldn’t worry about massive deficits, she argued—despite unprecedented outlays of funds, she explained, “most actions should be paid for over time.” Comforting, right? You can watch a portion of her remarks by clicking here.
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Ill. Policy Incident: Life Gets Cartoony‏

August 27, 2010 | Filed Under Democrats/Leftists, Economy/Finances, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

Blago’s Last Frontier?
Just when you thought Rod Blagojevich had hit every media format on earth—the Today Show, Jon Stewart, Esquire magazine, and the national Sunday talk shows—he shows up in international animated specials. This short but dramatic take on the Blago saga is definitely worth a watch—although we don’t think they really quite captured the essence of his hair.
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Ill. Policy Institute: Hospital Rationing?‏

August 6, 2010 | Filed Under Budget, Cook County, Democrats/Leftists, Economy/Finances, Government, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois State Government, Liberals, Pat Quinn, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

“Wedding of the Decade of the Century of the Millennium”
Well, it’s official—the dog days of summer are here. August, long known as a “slow news month” in the media business, often features some of the goofiest television news of the year. Exhibit A: the oft-breathless yet incredibly nonspecific national coverage of Chelsea Clinton’s recent wedding. You can watch Jon Stewart skewer the national media’s latest late-summer masterpieces.

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart

Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c

Wedding of the Decade of the Century of the Millennium

www.thedailyshow.com

Daily Show Full Episodes

Political Humor

Tea Party

Will a Hospital Be There When You Need It?
How many hospitals does the Land of Lincoln need, and who gets to decide? In Illinois, the process is far more complicated than you might think—and, unfortunately, it also restricts access to health care across the state. Read more here.
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The $41.8 Million Cow-Milking Machine‏

July 30, 2010 | Filed Under Budget, Capitalism, Economy/Finances, Government, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois State Government, Liberals, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

The “Me First” Rally
If you’ve been watching New Jersey Governor Chris Christie in action, you know he doesn’t mince words. In this MSNBC clip, you can watch him take on what he sees as a “me-first” mentality in his home state. New Jersey, like Illinois, is battling a massive state budget crisis—but unlike Illinois, it isn’t considering a massive tax hike. You can read the latest on that development below.
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Illinois Policy Institute: Paris Hilton Can Do It, But…‏

July 27, 2010 | Filed Under Budget, Government, Corruption, Harry Reid, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois State Government, Liberals, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

Say What?
The government’s recent bailouts of major auto companies (including GM and Chrysler) were controversial, to say the least. But to some DC politicians, they’re also apparently confusing. Watch Harry Reid’s claim that the bailouts “probably saved Ford”—which didn’t take any bailouts—by clicking here.
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Ill. Policy Institute: Soda Tax Talk Bubbling Up Again

July 16, 2010 | Filed Under Budget, Democrats/Leftists, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois State Government, Liberals, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From Kristina Rasmussen of the Illinois Policy Institute…

Talk of a soda tax is bubbling up again:

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Feel like you’re taxed enough already? More could be coming. There’s an early push to explore taxing soft drinks that are sweetened with sugars – all to get you to stop buying them. CBS 2′s Kristyn Hartman reports it’s all about obesity.

A coalition of groups is in the very early stages of mapping out a plan to fight fat in Illinois. Sugared beverage consumption has tracked with rising obesity rates – so it’s getting some attention.

Ill. Policy Institute: With Friends Like These…

July 9, 2010 | Filed Under Budget, Chicago, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois State Government, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

Ooh, That’s Awkward
America is a great country, full of wonderful people…but we should probably beef up on history classes. Last weekend, Jay Leno took a quick walk to find out how much his fellow Americans really know about Independence Day. The results?
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Ill. Policy Institute: Addicted‏

July 3, 2010 | Filed Under Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, State Government, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the Illinois Policy Institute

Santelli Rant, Part Deux
“Stop spending! Stop spending! Stop spending!” Earlier this week, CNBC reporter Rick Santelli (of “Tea Party” fame) offered some sound advice to the government—and some entertaining television.

Speaking of Spending…
Yesterday, Governor Pat Quinn addressed the state on a painful topic: Illinois’s disastrous budget. (We forgive you if your eyes just glazed over.) The bad news: The state budget is, yes, still a disaster. The good news: The Institute went through the governor’s speech, highlighting what you really need to know. Check out Kristina Rasmussen’s budget cheat sheet, along with our proactive budget solutions, here.
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Ill. Policy Institute: The Prostitute Bailout‏

June 18, 2010 | Filed Under Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

It Never Ceases to Amaze…
In a week when we’ve uncovered the state of Illinois funding $300k worth of debate reenactments, $100k to celebrate “Canadian 4th of July,” and $55k to help fund a movie about Daniel Burnham, this one takes the cake: the federal government spent $2.6 million to teach Chinese prostitutes how to drink in moderation while on the job. Learn more by watching the video.

Ill. Policy Institute: ‘Ass to Kick’

June 10, 2010 | Filed Under Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute | Comments Off

“So I Know Whose Ass to Kick”
Late-night comedians have had a heyday with President Obama’s recent comments on the BP oil spill. “I don’t sit around talking to experts because this is a college seminar,” Obama told Matt Lauer. “We talk to these folks because they potentially have the best answers, so I know whose ass to kick.” You can see Jon Stewart’s reaction on “The Daily Show” by clicking on the video above.

Amish Cheese, Lois Lane Statues, and Illinois Wine…
What do these three things have in common? They’re all examples of your tax dollars at work. Illinois spends around $50 million a year on “tourism”—but isn’t there a better way than taxing hotels and subsidizing cheese? Learn more at our latest “Spotlight on Spending” installment Read more

Ill. Policy Institute: Laughable‏

May 28, 2010 | Filed Under Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, State Government, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

“Unlike the United States, New Jersey Can’t Print Money”

With Illinois legislators continuing with “business as usual”—see below for our update on the latest Springfield budget snafu—Governor Chris Christie has been shaking things up in New Jersey. After a series of budget cuts, Christie is now proposing a property tax cap and a state spending limit. He’s also having some colorful interchanges with his constituents, which you can watch by clicking the video above.

It Would Be Laughable…
…If it weren’t so sad. This week’s brilliant budget solution from legislators in Springfield? You got it—borrow, to the tune of almost four billion dollars, while refusing to touch the root causes of our state’s budget crisis. Meanwhile, multiple austerity measures aimed at legislators themselves were shelved. You can watch the Institute’s take on the borrowing package in this Fox television clip here, read our statement on the budget here, and check out a roundup from the State Journal Register here.
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Ill. Policy Institute: LeBron’s Choice‏

May 20, 2010 | Filed Under Budget, Chicago, Democrats/Leftists, Economy/Finances, Government, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois State Government, Liberals, State Government, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

Happy Graduation…You’re Doomed!
As if graduating in the midst of global economic turmoil wasn’t bad enough, the University of Tennessee decided to invite Al Gore to inflict even more pain on its new graduates. You can watch what has been aptly christened “The World’s Most Depressing Graduation Speech” here.
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Ill. Policy Institute: ‘I need money to move’

May 13, 2010 | Filed Under Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

From the Illinois Policy Institute…

Hooray for Dysfunctional Health Care!

Meet Donald Berwick, President Obama’s nominee to run the nation’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Donald, it turns out, is a huge fan of the legendarily dysfunctional government-run British health care system. You can click the video above to find out why—and what he ultimately wants to bring to American shores.

In Case You Missed It
“I need money to move.” Years ago, our CEO John Tillman heard those words many times—and they taught him about the importance of school choice. You can read his piece on a potentially life-changing education reform in today’s Chicago Tribune. The Institute was also featured in Tuesday’s Wall Street Journal, which offered an update on the Illinois voucher bill. You can get an update.
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Ill. Policy Institute: Is Capitalism Doomed?

April 22, 2010 | Filed Under Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois State Government, State Government, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

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Institute Featured on “The Daily Show”
In case you missed it, John O’Hara, our vice president of external relations, appeared on Jon Stewart’s show to discuss the meaning of the nationwide tea parties and more. You can watch the full interview, which aired on Comedy Central, here.
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Ill. Policy Institute: Can we turn Illinois around?‏

April 14, 2010 | Filed Under Budget, Business, Chicago, Democrats/Leftists, Economy/Finances, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois State Government, Liberals, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

A New Jersey Twist
“The best reality show on television today isn’t running on MTV,” William McGurn wrote in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal. It’s in the New Jersey state capitol, where Gov. Chris Christie is leading a dramatic campaign to make the state government live within its means. You can watch Gov. Christie discuss his dramatic attempt to turn New Jersey around here.
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Illinois Policy Institute: Baby Steps

April 8, 2010 | Filed Under Chicago, Democrats/Leftists, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, State Government, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

Rod…You’re Fired!
He put up a valiant effort, but alas, our embattled ex-governor Rod Blagojevich ultimately couldn’t hack it in Donald Trump’s New York boardroom. In case you’ve missed it, you can watch Blago’s “Celebrity Apprentice” dismissal here—and you can watch Rod’s earlier antics on the show (including getting mistaken for Donny Osmond) here.

In Case You Missed It…
The Institute earned a shout-out in today’s Wall Street Journal editorial, “In Praise of Illinois” (and yes, you read that headline correctly). Click here to read the Journal’s take on Springfield’s recent “baby steps” to pension reform, complete with perspective from our executive vice president Kristina Rasmussen.
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Ill. Policy Institute: Working for the man‏

April 1, 2010 | Filed Under Budget, Chicago, Cook County, Democrats/Leftists, Economy/Finances, Free Trade, Government, Corruption, Illinois, Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois State Government, Liberals, State Government, Taxes, Warner Todd Huston | Comments Off

A “First Step”
If you thought the passage of the expansive new health care bill was a pretty big deal, you might want to hold on to your hat. On the “Today” show, President Obama recently told Matt Lauer that it was simply a “first step.” You can watch by clicking here.

Workin’ For the Man…
Each year, the Tax Foundation releases the dates of Tax Freedom Day, which reveals how many days of the year we spend working to pay off state, federal, and local taxes. Here in Illinois, it falls on Sunday, April 11, meaning we work 101 out of 365 days just to pay taxes. Ouch.
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