Illinois temporary tax hike is baloney

By Scott Reeder | Illinois News Network

SPRINGFIELD – Back in 2011, the state of Illinois began snatching away an extra week of our pay.

At the time, we were assured of two things: the tax hike was necessary and that it would be temporary.

But like so much politicians tell us, both statements are questionable.

First of all, we were told that increase was necessary to help bring the state’s fiscal house in order and to pay down the backlog of unpaid bills.

But even after jacking up our taxes the state’s fiscal condition is pathetic.

Springfield is paying its bills many months late, the state pensions are the worst funded of any states’ and Illinois’ credit rating is in the crapper.

Instead of using the extra tax dollars to pay down bills, Springfield politicians used it increase spending.

That shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Most politicians are far more comfortable spending than saving.

After all, it’s what they do best.

And, for the record, there are plenty of myths surrounding this tax hike.

The most persistent – and most annoying – is that the politicians only raised our income taxes by 2 percent.

Even as abysmal as I was in high school math, I can tell you that raising the income tax rate from 3 percent to 5 percent is a 67 percent tax hike – not a 2 percent, one.

The fact that so many politicians persist in claiming it was only 2 percent makes one wonder if:

1. They aren’t real bright.
2. They aren’t particularly honest.
3. That’s what their leaders have told them to say.
4. All of the above.

It being Springfield, any of these answers may be correct.

Some would have you believe this tax hike is picayune – hardly noticeable for the average household.

Nonsense.

The tax hike alone is the equivalent of one week’s pay for every worker in Illinois.

And what have workers gotten in return?

Not much.

The state is still broke. Spending is on the upswing. Bills are still going unpaid.

And guess what?

Now they are talking about taking the “temporary” out of the income tax increase.

Some lawmakers and pundits are saying it’s time for Illinois to make the “temporary” tax hike permanent while others are saying perhaps we ought to move back the law’s January 2015 sunset date.

To both laws I can only say: baloney.

The state hasn’t used the extra money wisely this year or in 2013, 2012 or 2011 …

What makes them think they will start using it wisely if it becomes permanent?

State revenue is at their highest level in Illinois’ 198-year history.

Springfield has a spending problem – not a revenue problem.

It’s time for our lawmakers to say “goodbye” to the tax hike and embrace difficult spending decisions.

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