by Kristina Rasmussen

Tell them to say NO to tax hikes and ObamaCare

You are making a difference, but we're not done yet.

Phones at the statehouse have been ringing off the hook since we alerted you last week to mischief in Springfield regarding plans to hike taxes and implement ObamaCare early under the guise of "Medicaid reform."

Concerned citizens are weighing in against misguided policy deals and demanding real reform – such as the 59 savings ideas unveiled by the Institute Monday with state Sens. Kyle McCarter, Sam McCann and Darin LaHood. Together, this multifaceted approach offers more than $2.7 billion in real expenditure reductions.

Writing on the plan, Crain’s political writer Greg Hinz said: “The Illinois Policy Institute says the state can begin to bring Medicaid into balance without cutting reimbursement rates for hospitals and without imposing a $1-a-pack cigarette hike…Some of the ideas clearly make sense, such as better price transparency, worth $185 million a year.”

Even though there’s a strong alternative on the table, we’re hearing that a significant number of House Republicans actually are considering voting for a tax hike as part of a “deal” with Democrats. The House could vote as soon as today.

Let us be clear: The endorsement of ANY tax increase now is an admission of DEFEAT on income tax reductions.

If the state can't cover its bills during a time of record revenues, how will it adjust when the tax hike sunsets and liabilities continue to rise? In fact, the legislation that could be up for a vote today sets the stage for ADDITIONAL general tax increases by keeping Medicaid spending at unaffordable levels.

We need your help. Call your state representative and tell them to vote NO on any Medicaid package that includes tax hikes or would make it impossible for the January 2011 tax hikes to be repealed or sunset on schedule. Call your state senator and tell them to say NO to ObamaCare. Every conversation matters. Call the Capitol switchboard at (217) 782-2000 and ask for your elected officials. Click here to find out who your elected officials are.