Illinois Citizens Speak Out on Income Tax Hike

How will the Illinois income tax hike affect you and your family? Some of our friends from around the state tell their story.

by Brian Costin

Last Wednesday over 80 residents from all over Illinois joined us at the Capitol in Springfield talk to their legislators about the impending income tax vote.  We followed up with them and asked them to share their thoughts now that the income tax hike has passed.

Here are their stories on how the income tax hike will affect them and our state. Contact me at bcostin@illinoispolicy.org if you would like to share your story here.

My husband and I survive solely on Social Security. We have no pensions, retirement savings account, and do not receive government assistance of any kind. Our daughter and her husband lost their home two years ago after they both lost their retail management jobs. They, and their three children (ages 4, 5, and 8), were forced to move in with us. Since then, her husband has found a job, but at a much lower pay scale. My oldest son is unemployed and also lost his home a year ago. And my youngest son also lives with us. None of us have credit cards or loans (except my mortgage).

We are a struggling family of NINE on the brink of applying for public assistance. We’ve been told that there will be no increase in Social Security – to offset the increasing costs of heating fuel, food, etc.

This income tax hike will surely be a job killer – jobs my family members are still looking for.

Besides the increased sales and property taxes, the income tax hike will significantly reduce whatever monies my children can contribute to the survival of this entire family. We are in dire straits right now. Any more increases, and we will surely fail!

Bernadette Richter

Earlville, IL

My husband and I were deeply disappointed that our elected officials have decided to take more of our hard-earned income in this time of economic difficulty. We have been married for over 20 years and in those years we have had to learn (sometimes the hard way) that if you are irresponsible with your money, the benefits will be short-lived and you will end up in worse shape than when you started.

In the past years we have worked hard to reduce our debt, forgoing nice vacations, new cars and expensive gifts for our kids and granddaughter.
My husband was recently promoted and for the first time in our lives we have experienced the freedom of having a little extra after living paycheck to paycheck all of our lives.

This unprecedented tax hike means that in all likelihood we will be returning to that paycheck-to-paycheck lifestyle.
We are angry that we are being asked to pay for the state’s overspending even as they continue to refuse cut back. We will sacrifice and the government of this state will continue its irresponsible spending.

I used to be proud to be from the “Land of Lincoln”. Now we both wish we could move to another state.

Jan Walters

Princeton, IL

Even New York’s and California’s new governors are annoucing plans for major cuts and reductions in spending. If we can’t keep up with these fiscal train wrecks, what hope is there?

Unfortunately, although my wife and I love living in Illinois, we are now probably going to buy a place in Florida and move there.

Anthony Beirne

Lake Forest, IL

This will increase the number of people leaving Illinois, together with good businesses that we need here.

Shame on the Illinois government that is run so carelessly and senseless. I’m sure the bordering states will welcome business with open arms. We notice you (Gov. Quinn) did not keep your campaign promise, we will remember…

Mr. and Mrs. Robert Rowland

Streator, IL