The Chicago Tribune today discusses Democrats (and Republicans, although the GOP has almost no say in the legislative process) are doing to fulfill the legislative pledge of rolling back the 67% income tax hike according to the schedule in the tax hike law.
The analysis reveals that current spending must be cut over the next four years—substantially–in order to be able to pay off debt accumulated under the eight years of Democratic Party rule after Rod Blagojevich was elected in 2002.
Spending up a billion a year.
Tax revenue not.
Illinois, not surprisingly, ended up with billions of dollars in bills that could not be paid.
And, there was also that retired public employee pension payment problem. Promises made (to me, among others) and presumably guaranteed by the 1970 Illinois State Constitution…at least as long as State Supreme Court Justices are in such a pension system.
Jim Tobin talks about public pensions in Christ the King Church in Wonder Lake.
National Taxpayers United of Illinois President Jim Tobin makes a persuasive argument that all of the 67% income tax proceeds will go to pay those pension obligations.
Mark Beaubien
The Tribune article has a quote from local State Rep. Mark Beaubien (R-Barrington Hills). The Republican is a budget negotiator, one step below House Minority Leader Tom Cross. Here’s what he told the Tribune reporter:
“Anybody who believes we are going to ever eliminate that tax (increase) better think again. We’re not going to ever eliminate that tax…We need the money.”
Cross, who appointed Beaubien says this:
“There’s a path there to not continue the tax increase. We feel pretty good about that.”
I was able to print out my tax bill. I should have just waited for it to be delivered. My tax bill is 8% higher than last year, even after we protested our assesment and got a slight reduction. That’s ridiculous in this economy.
The biggest culprit was the Village of Lakewood line item with a 15% increase over last year. Crystal lake park district with just over 10% and District 47 came next with a 9.7% increase over last year. Ridiculous!
14% increase! Love paying those pensions! I will actually start using every last item that I am entitled to. I will call my wonderful Grafton Township to get weather updates (since they are useless). That is outrageous in this economy! I typically vote and steer clear from all the meetings, but I will be showing up at every one to fight for savings. If I see an ounce of waste I will call it out. I think they have woken up a sleeping giant. We can only take it so much before we revolt…and this tipped the scales for me!
On January 13, 2011 Illinois Democrat Governor Pat Quinn signed Senate Bill 2505 (SB 2505) into law as Public Act 1496 (PA 1496), increasing the state income tax, effective January 1, 2011, for a temporary number of years.
+++++++
Civic Federation
The Institute for Illinois’ Fiscal Sustainability
State of Illinois Raises Income Taxes But May Not Have Fixed Budget Problems
January 13, 2011
civicfed.org/iifs/blog/state-illinois-raises-income-taxes-may-not-have-fixed-budget-problems
++++++++++
Illinois Department of Revenue
Individual Income Tax Rates
July 1, 2017 – current: 4.95 percent of net income.
2015 – June 30, 2017: 3.75 percent
2011 – 2014: 5.00%
1990 – 2010: 3.00%
1989: 2.75%
1985 – 1988: 2.50%
1984: 2.75%
1983: 3.00%
1969 – 1982: 2.50%
https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/research/taxrates/Pages/income.aspx
https://www2.illinois.gov/rev/research/taxrates/Pages/individualprioryears.aspx
+++++++++++
On July 4, 2017, Republican Governor Bruce Rauner vetoed Senate Bill 9 (SB 9).
On July 4, 2017, the Illinois Senate, under Democrat Senate President John Cullerton, overrode the Governor’s veto.
On July 6, 2018, the Illinois House, under Democrat House Speaker Michael Madigan, overrode the Governor’s veto.
Thus on July 6, 2017, SB 9 became Public Act 100-0022 (PA 100-0022), increasing the Illinois Individual Income Tax rate (personal tax rate) from 3.75% to 4.95%.
For more information:
Illinois CPA Society –
icpas.org/advocacy/government-relations/leg-reg-alerts/illinois-income-tax-increase
http://www.ilga.gov
+++++++++
In April of 2015, after losing the November 4, 2014 State Treasurer election to Democrat Michael Frerichs, Republican Tom Cross became a Senior Consultant with Culluton Strategies.
He is not a registered lobbyist with the State of Illinois.
++++++++++
On May 1, 2019, Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 1 (SJRCA 1) passed the Senate.
On May 27, 2019, SJRCA 1 passed the House.
As a result, there will be a statewide referendum question on the November 3, 2020 ballot to modify Article IX, Section 3 of the Illinois State Constitution, to allow the General Assembly to pass adjustable income tax rates.
Such an action by the General Assembly would eliminate the current flat income tax rate.
+++++++++
In June of 2019, Governor Pritzker signed three additional bills (there may be more) that would become law, if the voters approve the November 3, 2020 adjustable income tax referendum.
On June 5, 2019, Senate Bill 687 (SB 687) became Public Act 101-0008 (PA 101-0008).
PA 101-0008 contains the adjustable tax rates.
On June 5, 2019, Senate Bill 689 (SB 689) became Public Act 101-0009 (PA 101-0009).
PA 101-0009 eliminates the death tax.
On June 28, 2019, Senate Bill 690 (SB 690) became Public Act 101-0031 (PA 101-0031).
PA 101-0031 extends PTELL to every county for school districts, and sets the extension limitation at zero for any school district that is not a “qualified school district.”
http://www.ilga.gov
Type above.
Should be, on July 6, 2017, the Illinois House, under Democrat House Speaker
Michael Madigan, overrode the Governor’s veto.