Today, Think Big Illinois released a new ad highlighting why we need to implement a fair tax in Illinois. The 15 second ad, “Almost Every,” will be running in media markets across the state as part of Think Big Illinois’ latest efforts to ensure voters have the chance to decide whether they want a tax system that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few. “How Unfair” and “Affect You” will continue running in markets across the state.
“Almost Every” highlights how Illinois currently has one of the most unfair tax systems in the country. In almost every state with an income tax, wealthy people pay a higher tax rate than the middle class, but not in Illinois. This disproportionately places the burden on our middle-class families, who on average are forced to pay nearly 13% of their income for state and local taxes. Meanwhile, the top 1% of Illinoisans only have to pay around 7% of their income for state and local taxes.
Under the fair tax plan, 97% of Illinoisans will not see a state income tax increase, with only those making above $250,000 paying more. It will also help address the state’s $3.2 billion budget deficit and bring in much-needed revenue to fund critical programs, including our schools.
Very good, though I’m biased because I support the measure. I do like the 15 second ad structure. Quick and to the point. Also contrasts with that dumb Baise commercial of two young guys driving a convertible sports car while wearing fur coats.
Back to JB’s “swear jar”, I wonder if “Progressive Tax” might sell better than “Fair Tax”. “The Fair Tax” kind of sounds too euphemistic. And Progressive is a hot term right now, so it would benefit from the double meaning.
==This disproportionately places the burden on our middle-class families, who on average are forced to pay nearly 13% of their income for state and local taxes.==
This will not change. They will still pay 13%. These ads keep reminding people how high their tax burdens are.
Like being served a bad cut of meat at a restaurant. Complain the steaks on the table next to you look better than yours, only to have the waiter take those steaks away and bring them the same fatty, over-cooked steaks they served you. Sure, you don’t feel left out, but you’re still choking down a bad steak.
==It’s not fair to tax married people more than single people.==
If it’s unfair to draw the line at 250K (i.e. making 3x the median income of IL residents and thus having a LOT more disposable income), what do you think it should be?
- OneMan - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 9:52 am:
“with only those making above $250,000 paying more”
Isn’t those families making over $250,000? Those implies individuals, not families.
- Grand Avenue - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:03 am:
I don’t like the slogan “Support the Fair Tax” because you are asking people to vote for a tax.
A better message is “Support a Fair Tax System” which is what the audio said this time.
A lot of people will be hesitant to vote for a tax, but they will vote for tax reform.
- Lester Holt’s Mustache - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:04 am:
Very good, though I’m biased because I support the measure. I do like the 15 second ad structure. Quick and to the point. Also contrasts with that dumb Baise commercial of two young guys driving a convertible sports car while wearing fur coats.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:05 am:
===dumb Baise commercial===
That’s the Policy Institute’s ad.
- City Zen - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:05 am:
==We have one of the most unfair tax systems in America.==
Indeed. Iowa lets you deduct federal income taxes paid before determining your state taxable income. Not Illinois.
It’s fairly time for a change.
- Rabid - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:12 am:
Use Rauner as the mascot for flat tax in his own words
- Grand Avenue - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:15 am:
Back to JB’s “swear jar”, I wonder if “Progressive Tax” might sell better than “Fair Tax”. “The Fair Tax” kind of sounds too euphemistic. And Progressive is a hot term right now, so it would benefit from the double meaning.
- my thoughts - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:21 am:
Think Big’s video of showing only states with a flat tax rate in blue is incorrect as Kentucky changed to a income flat tax rate of 5%.
- City Zen - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:28 am:
==This disproportionately places the burden on our middle-class families, who on average are forced to pay nearly 13% of their income for state and local taxes.==
This will not change. They will still pay 13%. These ads keep reminding people how high their tax burdens are.
Like being served a bad cut of meat at a restaurant. Complain the steaks on the table next to you look better than yours, only to have the waiter take those steaks away and bring them the same fatty, over-cooked steaks they served you. Sure, you don’t feel left out, but you’re still choking down a bad steak.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:33 am:
–And Progressive is a hot term right now, so it would benefit from the double meaning.–
“Hot” for negative reasons in some circles. This is a contest of addition.
To the spot, short and simple is best. I’d keep pounding, “fair,” “unfair” and “middle class.”
The median family income in Illinois is $80K. That’s a long way from $250K, as I’m sure most voters are acutely aware.
- Grandson of Man - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:40 am:
Great ad. It gets right to the point. Beautiful graphics and colors.
A
- Matt - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 10:42 am:
It’s not fair to tax married people more than single people.
The administration needs to scrap the marriage penalty.
- City Zen - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 11:07 am:
==Think Big’s video of showing only states with a flat tax rate in blue is incorrect as Kentucky changed to a income flat tax rate==
Nice catch. And to think JB pays his people twice and you never.
- Jocko - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 11:48 am:
==It’s not fair to tax married people more than single people.==
If it’s unfair to draw the line at 250K (i.e. making 3x the median income of IL residents and thus having a LOT more disposable income), what do you think it should be?
- SSL - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 4:23 pm:
So it’s fair for JB and his family and friends to pay essentially the same rate as a household with income in excess of $250,000?
Nope. This is a tax to get 3.2B while protecting JB from paying his fair share on his many millions.
Still dodging taxes JB?
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 4:26 pm:
SSL, why do I get the feeling that the proposed rates aren’t nearly high enough is a genuine concern of yours? lol
- SSL - Tuesday, Apr 16, 19 @ 6:02 pm:
Rich, I will cease and desist. The relentless comments by Grandson are no reason to do the same.
Apologies.