When Governor Pat Quinn says that the state has a $12 billion deficit, what’s another $50 million?
Apparently nothing.
$50 million is what the August 6-15 sales tax holiday will cost coffers.
Democrats don’t seem to care.
Two local Democrats were lead sponsors in the Illinois House:
- Keith Farnham (from northern Kane County)
- Jack Franks
The vote was 65-51 with local Republicans opposing the measure.
Only the state budget will take a hit.
Crystal Lake Mayor Aaron Shepley’s 75% city sales tax hike will still be collected, as will the huge RTA sales tax hike that went into effect one week before the Crystal Lake City Council voted 6-1 (Jeff Thorsen being the one voting “No”) was passed.
Trying to appear a fiscal conservative in spite of his refusal to support a bill that would save $240 million a year while providing poor inner city kids a chance at a decent education, State Rep. Jack Franks did not seek media attention on the passage of his sales tax holiday idea.
Maybe he doesn’t want a mixed message about his views on the deficit-ridden state budget.
That is quite unlike his appearance in April 12, 2005, press release issued by Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn press release promoting the idea and subsequent publicity.