It’s time to hold Illinois lawmakers accountable

Illinois Policy Action is launching a campaign to hold Illinois legislators accountable to their promise of letting the 2011 income tax hike sunset on schedule. In the spring legislative session, politicians strongly stated their opposition to extending this massive income tax increase on Illinois families. Now, Illinois Policy Action will be asking legislators to sign...

Illinois Policy Action is launching a campaign to hold Illinois legislators accountable to their promise of letting the 2011 income tax hike sunset on schedule.

In the spring legislative session, politicians strongly stated their opposition to extending this massive income tax increase on Illinois families. Now, Illinois Policy Action will be asking legislators to sign a pledge stating they will stay true to their word after the November elections.

Legislators are the voice of the people, and the people spoke only a few months ago with a resounding “no” to another income tax increase. Even House Speaker Mike Madigan claimed that he couldn’t get the votes necessary for the measure to pass; having only 34 “yes” votes when he needed 60. He failed to get the support he wanted because the people and legislators of Illinois spoke up.

With the election on Nov. 4 quickly approaching, many lawmakers are making promises to their constituents, just as they did with the tax increase. But it’s the actions the lawmakers take after the election that matters. Obviously, lawmakers can quickly change their mind on an issue once an election has passed and make decisions for which they can’t be held accountable until the next election cycle.

Similarly, many legislators will find themselves heading out of office after the election from either losing their seat or from retirement. These politicians, often referred to as “lame-duck” legislators, often have little to no accountability to voters with only a few months of service left. In past sessions, we have seen “lame-duck” legislators sell their votes on important issues for future jobs with the state or the private sector.

Illinois Policy Action will be asking representatives to sign our “Keep Your Promise” pledge before the November election, sending a message that they will stay true to their word and respect Illinois’ taxpayers.