For starters, let me say my self-interest is involved in this story.

Thanks to Illinois taxpayers, I am paid a pension that is higher than $50,000.

I periodically thank people for it. Among other things, it allows me to spend my time on McHenry County Blog.

As some will know, retirement income is not taxed in Illinois.

That is one of the reasons that more people don’t move out of state after they
they retire.

Certainly, the real estate tax burden is crushing, especially, in the collar counties.

Our property tax bill exceeds $8,000.

The same home in a Southern state would have a much, much lower tax bill.

Now Greg Hinz is reporting in Crain’s Chicago Business online that one of the three state representatives who has a part of McHenry County—a Republican—is proposing to tax retirement income.

From the article, it is evident he talked to him.

It is interesting that the Barrington Hills resident is identified as “North Shore” State Rep. Mark Beaubien.

He is identified as the lead negotiator for House Republicans on “big picture financial issues.”

Beaubien, one of the more liberal Republicans on social issues, is reported to be suggesting

raising “about $900 million a year by taxing retirement payments above $50,000 and pensions paid to any one who retires before age 65.”

OK, so my pension is a good one for which I often thank people in person. But, it won’t just me that gets hit. All those early retiring teachers will be, too.

Maybe that’s why it could bring in almost a billion dollars.

Probably more, if the push to raise the income tax rate 67% is part of the package.

That would cut retirement benefits by 5% right after private retirement assets have tanked.

Great position for a Republican to espouse.

Not only is the McHenry County legislator proposing imposing a new income tax, but Hinz uses this phraseology about current retiree health benefits:

“cut spending on Medicaid pensions for state workers.”

Retiree health benefits are the same as for all state employees, including state legislators, and have nothing to do with Medicaid.

Those on pensions who reach age 65 are forced into Medicare.

Later in the Hinz article House Republican Leader Tom Cross says the GOP is not behind the proposal, but what message does it send when one of his top lieutenants is the first to surface the idea of taxing senior citizens?

You know, the ones who most consistently vote Republican.