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The Single Largest Jobs Plan…
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] Illinois workers need a jobs plan. Unemployment in the state stands at 9 percent, and the effects of the recession have made it more difficult for families to make ends meet. Unemployment and underemployment translate into less revenue for the state and less spending in our communities. The single largest job-creation plan in decades is now before the General Assembly. At a time of tough choices, it requires no new taxes and no cuts to government programs. SB 1849 is a gaming compromise that would create more than 20,000 jobs and bring in $200 million in new annual revenue to Illinois. It would be an economic shot in the arm for our state, and we can’t afford to pass it up. The job creation boost SB 1849 would provide is why major voices from Illinois’ organized labor community support this gaming solution. Supporters include Illinois AFL‐CIO, Chicago Federation of Labor, IBEW Local 134, SEIU Local 1, and UNITE HERE Local 1. These labor groups and over 80 members of the Illinois Revenue & Jobs Alliance know this bill would be a “win” for the state of Illinois and its residents. Legislators ought to act now and pass SB 1849 – and start putting workers back on the job.
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No Smoke and Mirrors—Cigarette Tax Increase is Needed
Tuesday, May 15, 2012 - Posted by Advertising Department [The following is a paid advertisement.] The Illinois Hospital Association urges the General Assembly to increase the cigarette tax by $1 per pack. Here’s why. Increasing the cigarette tax will generate more than $750 million in new revenue for the Medicaid program – preventing draconian cuts that will harm patients and communities. It will save millions of dollars in spending by the Medicaid program. Smoking-related illnesses cost the Illinois Medicaid program about $1.8 billion each year. The proposed tax increase will save Medicaid $50 million in the first year, with savings continuing to grow over time. The Illinois Hospital Association has real, workable alternatives to address the state’s Medicaid challenges, including many that will generate substantial savings and cost reductions. But meeting those challenges can’t be accomplished just through reductions and savings – additional sources of revenue are needed. Raising the cigarette tax will save lives – an estimated 77,600 fewer teens in Illinois will become addicted adult smokers, and 59,400 adults will quit smoking. For the health of Illinoisans, IHA is part of a statewide coalition that strongly supports raising the cigarette tax. It’s the right thing to do. No butts about it.
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