Special Alert from the National Taxpayers Union on Online Taxation
Senator John Cullerton of Chicago is proposing an unconstitutional $150 million tax on online shopping during the special legislative session in order to pay for the states reckless spending habits.
by Kristina Rasmussen
The National Taxpayers Union sent a special alert today about recent developments in online shopping taxes (commonly referred to as the Amazon tax) in Illinois:
We have another important opportunity to stop tax-hike fever in Springfield. Senator John Cullerton of Chicago is proposing an unconstitutional $150 million tax on online shopping during the special legislative session in order to pay for the states reckless spending habits. Senator Cullerton wants to raise taxes on online shopping despite the fact that unemployment is over nine percent, businesses are closing up, and residents are moving out.
But Illinois doesnt have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. Over the last decade, Illinois state government has increased spending by 26 percent even though the states population has grown by only 6.3 percent during that time. Each Illinois household now owes $25,000 just to cover the pensions and health benefits of the states public employees. The state government is borrowing just to pay its bills from last year and could be at risk of defaulting soon.
Instead of raising taxes on activities like online shopping, politicians need to do what hard-working families from Rockford to Marion are doing to ride out the worst of this recession: reduce spending to a more manageable level. As a result, Illinois can continue to provide essential services and avoid crippling tax increases on online shopping.
Enough is enough with tax hikes. Its time to act!
Make sure your leaders know that you will hold them accountable. Click here to speak out!