What He Really Meant Pt. 4

Two weeks ago the Governor made his budget address, here is what he really said.

by Mark Cavers

Two weeks ago, Governor Quinn gave his budget address, over a seven day period, leading up to our own press conference for the release of our Budget Solutions 2012, we will be looking at what he said in his address and what he really meant.

Day 4

“But we must also be a state with a tax system that is fair and responsible. For too long Illinois has had a tax code that is not fair.”

7,260 citizens and 38 legislators from both sides of the aisle have expressed their believe that passing the largest tax hike in history, before making meaningful spending cuts, at 1:30 in the morning with the help of 13 legislators who less then 12 hours later would be out of office, was both unfair, and irresponsible.

For years, legislators have pushed a increase in the tobacco tax, a tax which hits poor and working families the hardest. Low and middle class people are both more likely to smoke and tend to smoke more frequently. Additionally, this tax unfairly targets local businesses that sell tobacco products.

The Illinois state income tax is already applied fairly and equally to every working citizen of Illinois regardless of race, gender, or income. Today, the wealthy send a much greater amount of money to fund state government because of their higher incomes. A graduated income tax would unfairly target those with higher income and punish small businesses and entrepreneurs.

On March 8th, the Institute will release an alternative, workable budget: Budget Solutions 2012. It will be balanced, sustainable, and it will cut unnecessary spending and focus government on effectively delivering core services.

Day 1 can be found here
Day 2 can be found here
Day 3 can be found here