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Keep calm and negotiate on
Tuesday, Jun 27, 2017 - Posted by Rich Miller * A text from a longtime buddy…
I jokingly said there could be 20. But it’s something to keep in mind as we move through this week. I warned you yesterday that there will be problems. The main thing we need now is for the people in charge to keep their cool. No “emotional” veto threats from the governor. No embarrassingly over the top political gamesmanship by the House Speaker. Above all, they need to commit to remaining on the playing field. * As we discussed yesterday, the House Democrats unveiled their property tax freeze bill today during the Revenue Committee hearing. It’s Amendment 1 to SB 484…
No Republicans voted for the bill, but two (Reps. David Harris and Brian Stewart) voted “Present” and urged continued negotiations.
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- 47th Ward - Tuesday, Jun 27, 17 @ 9:44 am:
===No Republicans voted for the bill,===
Sigh.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jun 27, 17 @ 9:51 am:
Sounds good to me….I thought the Republicans would let Chicago tax all they wanted.
- Stones - Tuesday, Jun 27, 17 @ 9:52 am:
I haven’t been following as closely since we moved but is Illinois still on track to lose an entire highway construction season without a budget in place by July 1? That’s almost as unfathomable as the schools not opening on time.
- Mr. K. - Tuesday, Jun 27, 17 @ 9:52 am:
Why are people even slightly — slightly — motivated to vote for what’s clearly bad policy?
All to mollify Rauner? And force bad policy to be codified into law?
It’s bizarre — and disturbing. Hasn’t anyone just said to Rauner: look, I don’t care how it polls — it’s bad policy?
- cdog - Tuesday, Jun 27, 17 @ 9:53 am:
Are not Chicago property taxes significantly lower than the rest of Illinois?
Let Chicago and Rahm have the power to raise property taxes.
Still hoping for a negotiated appearance of the progressive income tax on the 2018 ballot, with windfall dedicated to reducing local reliance on 60-70% of average property tax bills.
- Roman - Tuesday, Jun 27, 17 @ 9:56 am:
LBJ, was no religious zealot, but he liked to quote scripture at times like this:
“Come now, and let us reason together.” - Isaiah 1:18
- Dick Butka - Tuesday, Jun 27, 17 @ 10:06 am:
==Mr. K==
I think it’s bigger than that and goes back to a fundamental weakness in representative democracy exacerbated by Baron Von Carhartt’s unlimited funds.
The fact of the matter is that he’s spent enough money to make the people of Illinois believe that this is good policy. Rauner could resign tomorrow and there would still be enormous pressure to freeze property taxes.
- cdog - Tuesday, Jun 27, 17 @ 10:16 am:
What is good about a policy that puts Illinois at second highest property taxes in the country, due to school levies of 60-70% of the total property tax bill.
Adding, 33% of our students state-wide are “ready for the next level.” Geez.
- Jocko - Tuesday, Jun 27, 17 @ 10:57 am:
When will people realize that a “freeze” is just another way of saying “cut”, then express outrage at the deterioration of their local schools and community services.
- walker - Tuesday, Jun 27, 17 @ 11:12 am:
What exactly are Republican Reps signaling with a Present vote?
Knows it probably has to be done, but doesn’t want to be held responsible for it?
Delaying compromise bills until all compromises are packaged together?
- Shemp - Tuesday, Jun 27, 17 @ 11:20 am:
All the property tax freeze bills are treating the symptoms, not the underlying causes. I don’t know too many boards that enjoy raising levies, but feel they have no choice between fire-police pension costs on the city side and our fouled up funding methodology from the state on the school side.
- Ratso Rizzo - Tuesday, Jun 27, 17 @ 11:22 am:
If this property tax freeze goes into effect, with Chicago and perhaps Cook County, exempted, it will only be a matter of a few years before people are complaining that their local schools need more money from the state. Let’s put on our big boy pants and do what needs to be done—a tax swap. Progressive income tax couple with a property tax freeze and/or reduction. State should fund 70% of all schools.
- Longtime Buddy - Tuesday, Jun 27, 17 @ 11:51 am:
Thanks Rich. My reactions posted on next thread.
- dorethasinclair - Tuesday, Jun 27, 17 @ 11:51 am:
That is a great tip particularly to those new to the blogosphere. Brief but very accurate info… Many thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!