MEDIA CONTACT: Meghan Keenan (312) 607-4977 SPRINGFIELD (July 6, 2017) – On July 6, the Illinois House of Representatives voted to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of the controversial budget package that includes a 32 percent increase of the state income tax. Illinois Policy CEO John Tillman released the following statement: “Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s budget and...
MEDIA CONTACT: Meghan Keenan (312) 607-4977
SPRINGFIELD (July 6, 2017) – On July 6, the Illinois House of Representatives voted to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of the controversial budget package that includes a 32 percent increase of the state income tax. Illinois Policy CEO John Tillman released the following statement:
“Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan’s budget and nearly $5 billion tax hike continue the same policies that created the present crisis. The budget lacks any material reforms to the state’s out-of-control spending, which is the root cause of the long-simmering crisis. It has fake savings that will never materialize, while the tax hike will take $1,000 per year from the average Illinois household.
“Over the last several days passions have run high as the people of Illinois rose up to make their voices heard. Millions engaged. These voices were so loud, and in such vigorous opposition to this tax hike that some lawmakers tried to shut those voices down.
“That is an outrage to our democracy and our representative form of government. All voices must be heard, especially the voices of those who are angry and frustrated. They are the bellwether that can provide insight into the pain and helplessness our citizens feel when their voices are ignored.
“Elements of Springfield’s elite were shocked and surprised by the reaction of Illinoisans fed up with years of misrule and self-dealing. In response, they have tried to portray a minuscule minority of these voices – an illegitimate fringe issuing threats and promising violence – as representatives of the whole. Let’s be clear what they seek to do: delegitimize and dismiss the valid disappointment of Illinoisans.
“Those Illinoisans – the vast majority – are respectful, civil and fed up with elitists’ tax hikes, out-of-control spending and poor governance. They know that the legislators who passed this phony budget have achieved nothing, except to make the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Illinoisans more difficult, more expensive and more burdensome.
“The truth is that the people of Illinois now understand as never before that Madigan and his political allies care more about the prerogatives of the Illinois political class than they do about the well-being of average families in Illinois. The people now understand that this is no longer a Republican problem or a Democratic problem. This is a problem of the people trying to regain control of a government that not only ignores their voices, but also desires to shut those voices down.”
For bookings or interviews, contact: media@illinoispolicy.org or (312) 607-4977