* From The Southern…
Southern Illinois University System President Randy Dunn, according to a spokesman, called the vote by Bryant and the other 14 Republicans a “heroic stand” in the midst of a historic political standoff. Bryant said she’s also received words of encouragement and thanks from regional school superintendents, health care providers and others. […]
Southern Illinois’ economy is more vulnerable to the effects of the ongoing impasse than other regions because large percentages of people are employed by the state — at prisons, mental health facilities, and public aid, driver services and other government offices — or by entities that are directly supported by state funding, including hospitals, social service agencies, universities and community colleges and K-12 schools, she said. […]
Bryant and the others who supported the bill, “stood up not just for SIU, but the entire Southern Illinois region,” Charles added.
Dunn also thanked Rep. Brandon Phelps, D-Harrisburg, who joined with the majority of Democrats voting in favor of Senate Bill 9. The bill would raise the personal income tax from 3.75 percent to 4.95 percent, and the corporate income tax from 5.25 percent to 7 percent.
It’s about time that a university president finally stepped up on this. Their institutions are on the verge of death. They need to speak out.
Also, where’s AFSCME been? Where’s SEIU? Where are the trade unions that rely on road construction work?
The groups that are against a tax hike have ginned up an intense social media firestorm. But the groups which rely on government have stayed mostly mum.
* Both of the teachers’ unions have announced support for the tax hike, however. This is from the Illinois Federation of Teachers President Dan Montgomery…
“Last night, we breathed a sigh of relief as a bipartisan supermajority of lawmakers found a way out of our state’s two-year budget crisis. As we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July, it finally felt like we had gained independence from Governor Rauner’s political threats and radical agenda that lowers taxes on the wealthy while working families struggle.
Of course, it didn’t last long.
The Governor’s pledge to veto this strong, bipartisan agreement and worsen the damage is deplorable. Five universities have reached junk bond status. The state owes more than $1 billion to our K-12 schools and $15 billion to businesses who have provided goods and services expecting to be paid. Social services are shuttered.
But Governor Rauner couldn’t care less, because he’s never wanted resolution.
He said he would happily shut down government and create a crisis for leverage to enact his agenda. And while claiming to negotiate in good faith, he spent millions of dollars on political ads attacking those with whom he was supposed to be working.
On behalf of more than 100,000 educators, staff, and public employees across Illinois, we want to thank lawmakers for doing the right thing, particularly the fifteen House Republicans who courageously stood up to Bruce Rauner who would rather see Illinois crumble than prosper.
We urge the Senate to follow the example of their House colleagues and vote for this bipartisan revenue and spending plan, and when approved, we urge Governor Rauner to end this madness and sign the bills immediately.”
* I had to go to the IEA’s website to find this blog post generically titled “Illinois House moves forward on budget plan”…
Tonight, the Illinois House of Representatives took a major step toward stabilizing the financial crisis Illinois has been in for more than two budget-less years.
We thank the members of the House for taking this step to vote on a full and balanced budget – especially those Republicans who saw the dire circumstances our education systems in this state were facing – and stepped up to support them.
We urge the Senate to concur with this budget plan and we strongly urge Gov. Bruce Rauner to sign it.
“From the preschool student learning to write his name and add his numbers to the university student planning her future career, this budget bill gives our state hope,” said IEA President Cinda Klickna.
“Education and the state of Illinois are too important to be allowed to crash and burn. Thank you for finding common ground for the good of us all.”
But there is no “action alert” about this issue on the union’s website.
*** UPDATE *** Shortly after the Senate’s votes today, the U of I sent this to legislators…
We are grateful to the legislators who voted to support the budget that provides funding for the second half of FY17 and for the full year of FY18. This financial support is crucial to ensure the continued excellence of the University of Illinois System, which enrolls more than 81,000 students and plays a key role as an engine of progress for our state. We hope the lessons learned during this long and difficult impasse will help to restore long-term stability and provide predictable funding year after year so we can plan our future and expand our impact on the public good. We urge the governor to sign the legislation.
Thank you!
Jennifer M. Creasey
Director State Relations
Office of Government Relations
* Related…
* Loss of Accreditation Could Cost Colleges Billions
* State Budget Crisis Eliminates Funding For Holiday Traffic Enforcement
* Layoffs begin as state road construction shuts down
- Leave a Light on George - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:19 am:
The unions have lost the PR battle and they know it and AFSCME’s fight with the Gov is far from over.
- Southsider - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:20 am:
It may be as simple and sad as it’s a long holiday weekend.
- Deft Wing - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:20 am:
The House Reps who reversed course and voted — after three years of standing with their Caucus & the Gov. — to raise taxes will get no real help from those tax-eaters, no way.
Instead of any praise, they will get what they truly deserve– primaries.
- Leatherneck - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:23 am:
I’m surprised AFSCME hasn’t weighed in on the potential impact of Judge Lefkow’s Medicaid ruling last Friday night (or even filed an appeal to Lefkow’s ruling)–especially in case state employee pay is among those court orders that could be sidelined to pay past due Medicaid bills.
- Western IL - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:24 am:
Well, perhaps the teachers are smart enough to realize this does nothing much really, will stir up MORE resentment against them and their generous benefits, move more productive private sector workers/employers OUT of the state, and lastly, of course..they have to pay it as well if they are working. And with no reforms of any real sort to right the ship and protect their pensions, they too probably see default in the future. Perhaps they want to hang on to as much the the money they are currently earning, rather than hope to desolate promised in the future.
- NeedConstConv - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:27 am:
Thankfully for the good of this state I don’t think the votes will be there with bills as currently constructed. End game needs to result in a Constitutional Convention to allow for diminishment of fiscally unsustainable government union pensions/benefits.
- JPC - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:28 am:
I think the term “tax eaters” suggests the degree to which unions have lost the PR battle. Couple this with “tax hike” and no wonder no one says anything: the “tax eaters” are in favor of a “tax hike” for entirely selfish reasons.
There are cogent arguments (I think) that public institutions such as universities and other social services, produce a valuable return on investment. But it’s very hard to get around the idea that all you want is a big fat pension.
Full disclosure–I’m a public employee and I don’t get a pension but rather a 401k and no Social Security. My pay is below average for my field.
- TeacherMan - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:29 am:
Thanks for the update. Many IEA leaders are in Boston participating in the NEA Representative Assembly. The efforts of legislators like Unes and Hammond did not go unnoticed, but your point is well taken.
- Huh? - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:32 am:
“Tax eater” seems to be such a pejorative term. Particularly, when it could apply to every citizen and visitor of the State.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:32 am:
If the Chamber could step out and give the Governor some cover on a tax hike, you’d think AFSCME could stand up for the Brave 15.
- Rod - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:32 am:
It is pretty hard for the Democrats to mobilize the state higher education institutions after the last amendment to SB 6 which cut an additional 5% from their budgets.
- Fax Machine - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:32 am:
It’s probably that wacko leftists who run the unions are letting the perfect be thr enemy of the good again and are sulking because the cuts are too big or the tax isn’t high enough.
What they should be doing is telling some GOP Senators (McCann comes to mind) that they’ll have their back in a primary if Proft & friends go after them.
- SAP - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:33 am:
Oops, that was me at 9:32. Stupid phone.
- Tired Teacher - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:34 am:
“Need a constitutional convention…” Wrong. That does nothing to impact those already in Tier 1; Supreme Court ruling. You cannot change due ti Illinois and US Constituions. If you wish to change pensions for new folks (beyond tier 2) then regular law will do. People need to realize an amendment cannot change the tier 1 pension.
- CCP Hostage - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:35 am:
For the record–tax me, please. Enable my schools to stay open, help kids without a lot of parental financial backing attend college, keep seniors at home instead of in nursing homes. Yes, I support taxes necessary to operate this state.
- illinoised - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:38 am:
“Tax eaters” is a term synonymous with “citizens.” Thanks for feeding the frenzy of the uninformed.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:50 am:
Tired of hearing the resentment that teachers are paid with taxes. It’s called public education for a reason. It’s provided to the public. Where else should the money come from? Pay per head? That’s be a great idea…..far more lucrative. Once your kids are through the system, no payment necessary? ONly parents pay?
- Texas Red - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:52 am:
Let AFSCME and other public unions have a day in the sun, let them eat our taxes for a while yet. Judge Gorsuch ensures that it is just a matter of time till SCOTUS adds them to the endangered species list.
- apriori - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:55 am:
Couldn’t agree more with illinoised about the title of this post. Everyone, including corporations, are tax eaters. The headline is unfair and inflammatory. We *all* depend on taxes. Even the most libertarian person has to realize that they can’t pay for their own roads and police forces to do business. Businesses can’t afford to train children into a productive workforce. All this stuff needed to make society run requires collective action and collective payment in the form of taxes. We all pay, benefit from, and need taxes. We all eat from the same tax trough.
- Waffle Fries - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:56 am:
kudos to groups like IARF who actually have done this
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 9:56 am:
==Thanks for the update. Many IEA leaders are in Boston participating in the NEA Representative Assembly.==
Ah, yes, that makes sense. It’s well known the internet doesn’t reach Boston.
- wordslinger - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 10:01 am:
I recall the NRA and ISRA going silent in the final days when Madigan was putting together a veto-proof majority on conceal-carry.
Their peeps were already lined up. Anything they said could have just inflamed opposition.
I think the same strategy was at play here.
- A guy - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 10:01 am:
It really is confounding that their silence is so prevalent. I don’t agree with those 15 Reps, but putting myself in their shoes, I certainly understand why they acted the way they did.
The response they were getting in their Capitol offices and their District offices were filled with the usual hateful junk mail that everyone gets. But, in addition to that, they were seeing response from people they do know and they do respect.
That can be overwhelming when you recognize those are neighbors and friends and supporters. They’d had enough. 15 isn’t a small or lonely number. Their misery had enough company to give them enough resolve to carry through. I watched. I didn’t see anyone take it lightly.
I don’t think they were seeking any comfort from the Tax Eaters. They knew better.
- Pelonski - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 10:03 am:
My guess is that because they don’t think it will be helpful to getting the deal done. As you can tell by reading this blog,there are a large number of voters who incorrectly think the tax raise is going straight into the pockets of union employees. Public support by the teachers, trades, and AFSCME would just reinforce that incorrect idea.
- Grand Avenue - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 10:04 am:
Rich, back to yesterdays QOTD, can you ban the humorless language police?
- Bored Chairman - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 10:06 am:
Rich, who would the trade unions who do road construction work cheer personal and corporate income tax hikes? The work they do is funded by gas tax, registration and license fees - not from income tax.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 10:08 am:
===The headline is unfair and inflammatory===
The headline stays. If that headline inflames you, then you have more problems than you realize.
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 10:09 am:
Also, apriori, instead of complaining about a headline, how about calling your Senator today or visiting the Statehouse or at least posting something on Facebook?
- Anotherretiree - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 10:11 am:
Lots of Tax eaters in Springfield….virtually everyone actually, albeit indirectly…..auto mechanic who repairs workers cars..Dr.’s who do their Colonoscopies…. Real estate agents who get their commissions ..even someone who Blogs about Government for a living…
- Rich Miller - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 10:17 am:
=== The work they do is funded by gas tax, registration and license fees - not from income tax. ===
No budget, no work.
- Pelonski - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 10:19 am:
“The work they do is funded by gas tax, registration and license fees - not from income tax.”
Without a budget deal, none of that can be spent.
- apriori - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 10:24 am:
@Rich Miller: Trust me. I am more involved than you know. But you have a responsibility as a journalist (even a blogger journalist) to do better. And I believe that even though I think you do a great job.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 10:32 am:
There are far more companies that take government projects (so taxpayers are paying for those private employee salaries) than might appear.
A large truck manufacturer in the suburbs has had government contracts but is a private company.
Their employees not only enjoy lucrative pay but benefits and pensions to die for.
Just sayin……..
- olddog - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 10:33 am:
They’ve been talking about “taxpayers” and “tax eaters” around the Statehouse forever, as if teachers and social workers don’t pay taxes. That mindset is one of the things that helped get us into this budget crisis, but complaining about a headline isn’t going to change it overnight.
- former southerner - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 10:40 am:
I drive on state roads and my daughter attends a public school so clearly I am a tax eater. Since I am a white of European ancestry I am also an invader and an oppressor of native peoples. None of these terms are really helpful but compared to the vitriol tweeted by the Washington twit in chief they are at least somewhat mild.
- Robert J Hironimus-Wendt - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 10:43 am:
“It’s about time that a university president finally stepped up on this. Their institutions are on the verge of death. They need to speak out.” You seem not to have noticed that the President of Western Illinois University has been testifying on behalf of WIU and all state universities, as well as on behalf of the West Central Region of our State, nearly every week, for many months.
- Markus - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 10:48 am:
Well, that headline struck a nerve. Might be up there for record of most banned posts. “Everything you think and believe should be able to withstand competent challenge.” Words to live by heard a long time ago.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 10:50 am:
I cannot for the love of me think of someone who is not a tax eater. It is inflammatory. It is as if a public employee is not a taxpayer. It’s just low.
- Flapdoodle - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 10:53 am:
–It’s about time that a university president finally stepped up on this. Their institutions are on the verge of death. They need to speak out.– Contra Prof H-W, some have been busy polishing their prospects for state board appointments or out-of-state job openings.
- DuPage Dave - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:04 am:
I have to agree that the headline of this post is unkind.
- former southerner - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:04 am:
tem of course is term
- Johnnie F. - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:13 am:
Unions are wise to wait for the process to become law. There’s an override that will be required. No need to celebrate prematurely IL state government’s decision to finally be fiscally responsible by having a balanced budget.
- Gotway - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:24 am:
The moving out of state will continue, now at an accelerated rate due to the massive personal income tax increase. The equally massive corporate income tax increase will also accelerate the exodus of business from Illinois, causing a still further increase in people moving out of state. Soon these public employees won’t be able to look down their noses in disdain at private employees and demand more from them. There simply won’t be enough left to support them.
- CapnCrunch - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:26 am:
“We all pay, benefit from, and need taxes…”
You’re going to have to be more specific and identify for the 5.2 million citizens who are not government employees the increased benefits that they will personally see by paying higher taxes, especially when the budget calls for a reduction in spending. The tax increase was needed but not for increased services.
- apriori - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:34 am:
Sure CapnCrunch. You will pay less interest on bonds that build roads and bridges in the future. You benefit from roads, right? You benefits from being able to have the state borrow at a lower interest rate. You benefit in multiple ways from a better educated citizenry. More education means less likely to be on public welfare or in jail. So I stand by my claim: “We all pay, benefit from, and need taxes. We all eat from the same trough.”
Why do you think you personally won’t benefit from this minor tax hike in a large state where lots of us can pay a bit more and solve this problem. I can only imagine how many people would be flocking to Illinois if we had funded things properly for the last 30 years…but I digress.
- City Zen - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:39 am:
Dan Montgomery…counting down the days until he can start collecting the giant TRS pension he earned for running a union. “Sigh of relief” indeed.
- Cardinals1 - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:49 am:
Western IL
==perhaps the teachers are smart enough to realize this does nothing much really==
Considering many school districts around the state were beginning preparations for closing their doors, that’s a pretty uninformed statement.
- Grandson of Man - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:51 am:
I understand the anger that some Republicans put their jobs and lives on the line while the unions said nothing, but the unions have shown plenty of support for passing a budget and the necessary tax hike. How many rallies have they had for the governor to do his job and pass a budget?
There were huge rallies, going back to December 2015. On social media, union-based organizations and individuals are now still telling Rauner to do his job.
“I think the term “tax eaters” suggests the degree to which unions have lost the PR battle.”
The unions won the PR battle with their members by far, with the 81% strike vote. Bruce tried to bamboozle state employees, but union leaders did a great job in helping educate members.
“It’s probably that wacko leftists who run the unions are letting the perfect be thr enemy of the good again and are sulking because the cuts are too big or the tax isn’t high enough.”
Those “wacko leftists” have done nothing to obstruct the budget process, unlike Bruce and the IPI. I think the pressure now is really on Rauner.
- atsuishin - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:56 am:
==Let AFSCME and other public unions have a day in the sun, let them eat our taxes for a while yet. Judge Gorsuch ensures that it is just a matter of time till SCOTUS adds them to the endangered species list.==
I really hope you’re right. Judge Gorsuch gives me hope, I hope the SCOTUS alleviates IL and the rest of the nation from these burdensome government unions.
- Just Sayin - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 12:02 pm:
Something to consider is whether a big show of support by unions towards republicans who just took a tough vote is icing on the cake going into a primary. Maybe a quiet show of appreciation is the prudent move.
- A guy - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 12:05 pm:
Given the daily vitriol that gets spewed here and elsewhere, it’s amazing how thin-skinned some become when the spotlight shines in their direction. Toughen up a little. Some people did some things worthy of being called brave lately.
- cdog - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 12:06 pm:
The headline is thought-provoking. Therefore, a job well done.
I have seen the inside workings of Illinois’ union culture. It’s not pretty, and I too hope that SCOTUS, draws some new boundaries.
- Grandson of Man - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 12:27 pm:
“I have seen the inside workings of Illinois’ union culture. It’s not pretty”
There’s that 81% strike vote thing. If there’s anything that will drive up union support, it’s Bruce Rauner.
“I hope the SCOTUS alleviates IL and the rest of the nation from these burdensome government unions”
I think there was someone in Germany, last century, who said similar things about Jews.
- ILGOV2018 - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 12:45 pm:
Many of those “taxeaters”, protect your lives, put out your fires, answer the call when you have an emergency, teach your kids, build/fix your roads. Oh and they will have to pay the same amount of taxes as everyone else, they are affected by the tax increase too.
- Oswego Willy - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 12:51 pm:
===The House Reps who reversed course and voted — after three years of standing with their Caucus & the Gov. — to raise taxes will get no real help from those tax-eaters, no way.
Instead of any praise, they will get what they truly deserve– primaries===
I support legislators who get primaried by IPI, Proft, the Slytherin types.
I remember when those members who voted for SSM faced similar problems. I backed them because it was better than measuring members by litmus tests.
The state needs a budget. Those members, especially the downstate ones need universities and need social services where the providers are fewer and fewer.
When Slytherins refuse to see the governing, we all lose.
- CapnCrunch - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 12:51 pm:
I agree with your assessment of how society benefits from paying taxes. But you didn’t answer my question. Will this tax increase provide me with more or improved services? Do you really think a tax increase is needed to fund universities or maintain roads?
“I can only imagine how many people would be flocking to Illinois if we had funded things properly for the last 30 years…but I digress.”
Your digression inadvertently explains why the tax increase is needed. It was those “things ” we inadequately funded in the past. It’s those “things ” that might explain the tax eater characterization.
- cdog - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 12:59 pm:
Grandson, it is a false equivalency to equate Jews with union members. In our house we say, “you just lit your hair on fire.”
Unions in Illinois get a lot of money from rank and file. Where’s it go after that…?
- apriori - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 1:19 pm:
=== Do you really think a tax increase is needed to fund universities or maintain roads? ===
Actually, yes I do, CapnCrunch.
So if you agree with me on the assessment of the need for taxes, then we are only disagreeing on the facts about this tax increase. The tax increase is needed to fund universities and roads and other thing. State supported (not state funded) universities definitely needed this increase so that our cuts aren’t greater than 10% of the 2015 budget.
- JS Mill - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 1:39 pm:
=Unions in Illinois get a lot of money from rank and file. Where’s it go after that…?=
Where ever they want it to go I guess. So what? Your looking for a conspiracy here? Try Alex Jones, I am sure he can help you.
- Grandson of Man - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 1:57 pm:
“Grandson, it is a false equivalency to equate Jews with union members.”
Nope. Same language. I never said union members are like Jews. I was pointing out the language that was used against Jews is the same as the language used against public unions. It’s to demonize them and blame them for the country’s problems. It’s to get people to hate them so their elimination is easier to accomplish.
Read the statement to which I responded, talkin’ about “alleviating” Illinois and the rest of the country of public unions. There is a parallel.
- Panther alum - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 3:02 pm:
Thanks Rich for getting us through the holiday weekend. Now I may consider sending my current high schoolers to U of I. I cannot consider sending them to my EIU. There won’t be enough time to rebuild the destruction caused over the past few years by the inaction of Gov Rauner.
To save face, he should consider laying out a vision for the public higher ed system. The regionals sure could use some stability. Maybe it’s time for a system office?
- CapnCrunch - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 3:35 pm:
“….we are only disagreeing on the facts about this tax increase. The tax increase is needed to fund universities and roads and other thing….universities definitely needed this increase so that our cuts aren’t greater than 10% of the 2015 budget.”
I’m going to pay more taxes but my local university, UIUC, will receive 10% less State support. How this cut makes for a better educated citizenry and reduces the number of people on public welfare or in jail isn’t immediately clear but I’m reasonably certain that I am not personally benefiting from paying more taxes in this case. Having said that, I do support the tax increase because of the real reason it is needed. It is not better roads, more social services or university operating budgets that are driving this tax increase. It is the 27% of GRF funds that must be diverted every year for the next quarter century or so to pay unfunded public pension benefits. A percentage that the comptroller has warned will not be enough. The tax eater characterization may sound pejorative but it accurately describes where a major portion of future tax revenues will be consumed.
- Anonymous - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 4:14 pm:
27% GRF funds that must be diverted (oh like if nothing had been diverted to fund projects for people like you in the fist place we wouldn’t be diverting back to where it all belonged initially) and it’s exactly where a major portion of future tax revenues should be going.
Enough of ripping off hard working public servants.
Why do some people relish the belief that working people (public) deserve to be served last while they serve you first?
- Honeybear - Tuesday, Jul 4, 17 @ 11:49 pm:
Besides Public Sector Unions have not caused this.
Rauner taking innocents hostage for his 1.4% “reforms” caused this.
Rauner Failed
Rauner Lied
Rauner Deceived
Rauner manipulated
Rauner owns
- Honeybear - Wednesday, Jul 5, 17 @ 7:54 am:
Which is worse Rich?
Being silent about needed but personally painful revenue.
Being silent when the poor, elderly, disabled, homeless, college students, social service agencies, state contractors ( except big IT firms), Rehab folks, are actually being destroyed.
I don’t know. It seems to me those of Christian faith would be more interested in following Christ’s commands to help those in need.
As opposed to “reforms” (1.4% improvement) designed to lower wages, maximize profits, but only improve the overall economy by the slightest bit.
All this pain for 1.4% theoretical gain.
You chide us about tone. I think the tone of Republicans destroying the common good is far louder than one persons increased taxes which are still below our neighbors.