A leading expert on government accountability and tax, fiscal and budget policies will explore his thoughts on the state’s financial future and share ideas of how the state can effectively address the problems. Ralph Martire, executive director of the Chicago-based Center for Tax and Budget Accountability and a regular columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times and the Springfield State Journal-Register has co-authored a study that produced a series of recommendations for revenue enhancements in the state, five of which became law. Martire has advised politicians and political candidates and teaches graduate level courses at Illinois State University on fiscal policy and the politics of education. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a law degree from the University of Michigan.