Illinois Government Ready to Spend More

Illinois lawmakers are proposing legislation that would create new state agencies and give out tax credits to certain groups.

by Wesley Fox

When faced with a $15 billion budget deficit, many warned that simply raising taxes would not solve the budget problem.  They argued higher taxes only lead to more spending.  In Illinois, the argument is proving to be correct.  According to the Peoria Journal-Star, Illinois lawmakers are proposing legislation that would create new state agencies and give out tax credits to certain groups.  The proposals are coming just weeks after the Illinois General Assembly voted to raise individual and corporate income taxes.

Rep. Monique Davis (D-Chicago) has introduced a bill that would put three state education agencies under a new Department of Education with its own cabinet secretary.  Rep. Mary Flowers (D-Chicago) has proposed legislation that would create a new agency, the Department of Minority and Women Inclusion.  Rep. Thaddeus Jones (D-Calumet City) introduced legislation giving tax credits to volunteer organizations, while Rep. Jack Franks (D-Woodstock) proposes a property tax credit for disabled people.

Reps. Davis and Flowers argue their new agencies would actually help cut wasteful spending by finding inefficiencies and fraud.

Some in the General Assembly strongly oppose new spending or tax credits.  “It’s like people are living in a fantasy land,” says Sen. Matt Murphy (R-Palatine).  “We can’t afford what we do now, much less new programs.”

Check out the Institute’s petition to Repeal the Tax Hike.  The Institute will also release its alternative budget in the coming weeks.