[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Alliance to Protect the Illinois Constitution is a broad, non-partisan coalition of respected consumer, education, good government, judicial, business and labor organizations in the state who recognize a con-con is a costly and unnecessary proposal.

Illinois’ Constitution is one of the most farsighted and citizen-friendly state constitutions in America. Every 20 years, voters are asked whether a convention is needed to rewrite that document and the question will be on the ballot this November. As they did in 1988, Illinois voters should reject a con-con.

There are three primary reasons to vote no on the referendum:

• The total cost of a convention is predicted to approach $80 million. Illinois has much more critical financial priorities including schools, healthcare, housing and transportation.

• The current problems in state government are caused by a breakdown in the political process, not the constitution.

• The same Legislature and Governor we have now will be in a position to dominate a convention.

This November, voters will be asked whether Illinois needs to hold a constitutional convention to rewrite it. The Alliance to Protect this Illinois Constitution urges everyone to support the state constitution and reject this costly and unnecessary proposal by voting “no.”