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* Tribune…
Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan declared Wednesday that the state income tax rate should be raised back to at least 5 percent to help balance the state’s out-of-whack finances.
In doing so, Madigan potentially gave new life to Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner’s argument that Democrats are to blame for the stalemate in Springfield because they’re intent on only raising taxes to dig out of the state budget deficit. That’s likely to be a GOP attack point in next year’s House and Senate campaigns as Republicans try to cut into significant Democratic majorities.
The comments came as Madigan, following a rare public speech, answered a question at a City Club of Chicago luncheon posed by a Republican strategist who wanted to know how high taxes should go. A famously disciplined and veteran politician, Madigan seemed aware of the risks of his response even as the words came out of his mouth.
“Let me avoid creating a headline for tomorrow’s newspaper,” he joked, then proceeded to create one.
That second paragraph is kinda puzzling because Madigan said yesterday (as he has said many times before) that he wants a mixed approach, some revenues some cuts.
But, hey, the Speaker walked right into that mess. If he didn’t want to talk about tax hike specifics, he shouldn’t have talked about tax hike specifics. Blaming the media for reporting the only real “news” out of yesterday’s otherwise boring event didn’t do him much good, either.
* The AP has my favorite line of the day, however…
Although Madigan has made no secret of his support for higher taxes during the monthslong fiscal standoff, his response to an audience question after a luncheon speech to a packed City Club of Chicago gathering represented his first mention of a specific number.
“Let me avoid creating a headline for tomorrow’s newspaper and say that a good place to begin … would be the level we were at before the income tax expired,” the speaker said. “Starting there, you can go in whatever direction you want to go.”
He did not elaborate.
Well, he could’ve “elaborated” if he was specifically asked about it by the AP at the follow-up press conference.
Then again, Madigan himself could’ve sought to clarify what he said at the scrum, but didn’t for whatever reason. He apparently didn’t realize what was going on while he was talking…
Please focus on "start" word from Speaker. Suggests he'd go higher, which is so wrong. Will chase more ppl out of IL https://t.co/tcj9QaMC2m
— Ron Sandack (@RonSandack) December 9, 2015
"Starting point"?! We knew Dems wanted higher taxes … but much higher taxes?! Will cause more people to leave IL. https://t.co/kSItZ5WEsS
— Ron Sandack (@RonSandack) December 9, 2015
Madigan was asked about that stuff, but he mainly just dodged the question.
* Mark Brown remained unspun…
For those who have been following the debate, Madigan broke no new ground.
Maybe Team Rauner doesn’t have Mark on speed dial.
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:16 am
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“…gross oversimplification”. Amen Mark Brown.
Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:24 am
Huge gaffe by Madigan. Causes some R’s to go on record against revenue hike, rather than waiting for an eventual agreement from Four Tops and Rauner.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:28 am
The longer they wait, the deeper the hole from the Rauner revenue rollback becomes. The sooner they restore the 5%, the sooner they can pay the bills.
Comment by DuPage Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:28 am
I’ve just about had it with all of these guys. This isn’t a game. If they had an ounce of character they would grow up and work on getting something done instead of having these constant back and forths of juvenile one liners. How about Sandack get off of his rear and actually do something constructive instead of spending his time on twitter acting like a 3 year old.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:29 am
Does Sandack not krealize that he and about 5-10 other SGOPs will have to vote on a tax increase?
Comment by Abe the Babe Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:31 am
=== That second paragraph is kinda puzzling … ===
Really? It’s been clear for a long time that truth is not a requirement for a Trib editorial.
It’s truly sad, understandable but sad, that our leaders can’t truthfully discuss options without their political opponents distorting their statements.
Mark Brown, along with Rich, has the character to say it as it is.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:31 am
The Trib has come to the point of lying just for the sake of lying.
Why would they lie about this when anyone can view the video of Madigan. He said five percent as starting point and then to be negotiated up or down.
I know the Trib is owned by Rauner but this is not even his line as he will sign off on a tax increase in the near future.
I agree with not using the term low information voters but this is writing a lie knowing that people will just latch onto the false narrative because they want to do that. Maybe Trib reader should take the place of low information voter.
Comment by MickJ Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:31 am
===truth is not a requirement for a Trib editorial.===
OK, but that wasn’t an editorial.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:31 am
As always, it starts with the Governor:
= = =
SECTION 2. STATE FINANCE
(a) The Governor shall prepare and submit to the General Assembly, at a time prescribed by law, a State budget for the ensuing fiscal year. The budget shall set forth the estimated balance of funds available for appropriation at the beginning of the fiscal year, the estimated receipts, and a plan for expenditures and obligations . . .
Comment by Bill White Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:33 am
And just in case these guys can’t read a calendar, it’s December 10. We’re on day 163 of no budget. That would be 44% of the fiscal year gone and there’s still no budget. I would say that constitutes and complete and utter failure to perform the duties you were elected to do.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:33 am
Does Sandack not krealize that he and about 5-10 other SGOPs will have to vote on a tax increase?
Oh, it’ll be more than that.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:33 am
I understood what he meant, but his minority opposition only hears what it wants to believe. Sandack has proven that he could work for IPI, uncovering scandals that don’t exist.
The Illinois government is paralyzed. If you want to begin solving the problems we face, returning and restoring the income tax would need to be in place before anyone can “start” fixing these problems.
Sandack and the Administration are so convinced of their own stereotypes, they can’t even see straight or listen. There cannot be any compromise when one party is completely convinced of its own negative portrayal of the other party.
Sandack has exposed himself as a practitioner of the worst kind of politics, the kind that cannot look for opportunities to work with the political majority, and seems to believe in the worst in the political majority. With this mindset, he cannot govern.
Comment by VanillaMan Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:34 am
=== OK, but that wasn’t an editorial. ===
My bad for not reading the link. Chalk this up to another reporter doing a sloppy job.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:37 am
Sandack is SO OFF base. No one leaves a state for another state because of taxes. If that were true California and Connecticut would be empty. Quit with the rhetoric and get to the truth. We don’t want IDEOLOGUES running our state.
Comment by Union Man Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:38 am
Great to hear that Sandack does not like the proposal.
I look forward to hearing Ron’s plan.
Comment by Gooner Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:38 am
Still, it’s confusing. At the national level, Hillary, our likely next Prez, and a Democrat, is calling for middle class tax cuts, presumably to address the shrinking economic status of our shrinking middle class.
Here in Illinois, a prominent Democrat seems to say he wants to raise the state’s highly regressive personal income tax significantly, a move that would disproportionately affect that same shrinking middle class. There has been little to no talk of more progressive options; indeed, the wealthy would be only modestly affected in Illinois.
Is our political class confused, or what?
Comment by Cassandra Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:48 am
This looks like a ‘Gotcha’ political moment. Politicians on both sides should be allowed to speak the truth without the other side playing games with their words.
Comment by Mama Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:48 am
And as the squabble continues, local entities are also raising taxes on some, and it’s more than 5%:
http://www.pantagraph.com/news/local/heartland-board-oks-higher-tax-levy/article_f971519e-3cdb-58f6-80f5-18686939007b.html
Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:48 am
I think the statement was a test to see if the Governor’s Office would pile on.
Comment by Triple fat Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:49 am
==There has been little to no talk of more progressive options==
It’s because you cannot do that right now. That could be a long term goal but the need is immediate.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:50 am
Has the prize fighter lost too much of his punch?
Comment by Ahoy! Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:54 am
Earlier in the day, OCD tweeter Sandack wrote:
“Sorry kids, spoiler alert. Speaker Madigan’s speech at City Club is word-for-word what he’s said for many months. #NothingNew.”
I guess that was before the Boss told him what he thought. #lightweight
Comment by wordslinger Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:54 am
This will be interesting when the same R’s making hay on this quote have to go “green” on the eventual increase. And said increase has to be greater than 5% thanks to operating the state via court orders and carve-outs.
Comment by illini97 Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:55 am
Sandack is becoming the Republican version of Pat Quinn. Gadfly
Comment by low level Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:55 am
I was more shocked by the Speaker’s comment - unless I heard it wrong - that the place to start with a budget is where we were before the tax hike rollback. Is he suggesting the budget was OK, just not funded well-enough? At it’s highest spending level ever? If so, this will never end.
Comment by Anon Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:57 am
Madigan just simply stated what is needed to solve the State’s budget crisis.
If the people of Illinois do not agree with that statement, then they need to be prepared to have less State services. It’s as simple as that.
Comment by Honest Abe Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:57 am
Ron,
What’s your plan? Or are you another Conservative Victim with no answers!
Jack
Comment by Jack Stephens Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 10:58 am
I did hear one slightly progressive proposal, taxing retirement income over a certain amount. That could presumably be done now. Yet it seems to have vanished.
Comment by Cassandra Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 11:00 am
Agreed 100% with Abe, and might I further add that at least he gave an answer. Something the Gov and the IL GOP has yet to do. You can fault the Dems for the budget they passed but at least they had one. If you want to see the GOP budget, you may as well look up HB0000 and SB0000. It doesn’t exist.
Comment by low level Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 11:01 am
I wonder if the Republican caucuses in each chamber know which of them will have to vote yes for the tax increase. Can you imagine your next primary the way that the GOP has ginned up sentiment against it? It’s going to be an excellent opportunity for the far-right wing of the party to expand it’s presence in the legislature.
Comment by Century Club Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 11:02 am
Is there any option of combining tax increases at the state level while dissolving smaller taxing bodies of township roads / park districts / library districts into county government. This would reduce the management at each lower taxing body, while still funding and maintaining the actual work performed. Possibly making a state tax increase closer to neutral on the taxpayer?
Comment by Will P Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 11:04 am
What was the net gain of people that moved to Illinois when the tax rate dropped?
Ron Sandack is displaying the cluelessness that has plagued the ILGOP for about 15 years now. Think before you tweet.
What are you proposing to be cut to take care of that 6 billion hole, Rep Sandack?
Comment by A Jack Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 11:08 am
truth is not a requirement for a Trib editorial.===
OK, but that wasn’t an editorial.
Nor was it reporting. Madigan declared nothing in his answer. So neither the headline or the lede match up with what happened, but it did give The SuperStars a chance to reveal their secret YoDa LOOPS strategy and give SlickHeadSandy and the Senate Minority Leader a chance to issue statement they can recant if there ever is a budget deal.
It appears the YoDa LOOPS used by the SuperStars allows you to be for & against Fair Share, Tax Hikes, Higher Ed, political hacks at the same time as long you make your U Turns fast enough. That from the official USAF handbook
e
Comment by Anonin" Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 11:11 am
=== The SuperStars a chance to reveal their secret YoDa LOOPS strategy ===
Care to expand upon this?
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 11:14 am
When The Owl votes for the Rauner Tax, the house of cards will fall..
Or state universities will fall…
Or social services will fall…
Or debt won’t get paid…
Or…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 11:19 am
Madigan stated that “he didn’t want to generate a headline” before throwing out a return to 5% as a “start” to negotiations. he knew exactly what he was doing. As stated above, Rauner and Madigan are both on the record that the state needs revenue. Madigan, by answering the question honestly and directly, appears both responsible and transparent (and willing to negotiate) to the public. Toni Preckwinkle did the exact same thing earlier in the year and although her statements were not initially popular the voters still see her as the only “grown up” in government. Republicans better be careful about over-spinning this one. Over the top cuts (that Rauner took a pass on) may work in a primary, but they’re not very popular in a General Election. The voters do realize that the state is in a fiscal crisis and Madigan staking a claim to the “grown up” ground in the General Assembly.
Comment by Kreblinski's Affidavit Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 11:22 am
== There has been little to no talk of more progessive (tax) options. ==
It would take ratification of a constitutional amendment to authorize a graduated income tax. If one thing in politics is certain, it is that Rauner will oppose such a proposal, so it can’t get on the ballot. It is preferable to hike the flat income tax than the excise or sales taxes. Is there any other discussion necessary?
Comment by nona Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 11:25 am
==Please focus on “start” word from Speaker.==
Seems like a fair reading of this is that 5% should serve as the starting point of a budget negotiation.
Comment by Kreblinski's Affidavit Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 11:26 am
However hyper-partisan and right-wing Rep. Sandack has become in his second term, he no longer has Proft funding a primary opponent from the right. Apparently the message was received the last time.
Comment by nona Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 11:31 am
Mr/Ms Norseman:
Capt Fax told all the 1%ers who pay for the newsletter, that the SuperStars use a secret YoDa Loops strategy to help them wing from places like filing federal suit to block Fair Share to signing contracts with fair share guarantees. This strategy has allowed them to achieve all goals, attract new SuperStar and build record poll numbers over the last 11 months.
Quite interesting. Seems like total nonsense, but interesting. We hear that the LOOPS persuaded Dunkin’to sign up.
Comment by Anonin" Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 11:39 am
“start”
Start, as in, we already had this tax rate, we were able to get it passed and have budgets under that tax rate, and it is the tax rate that is matched to the spending that we’re doing this year.
I don’t need a crystal ball to see that Rauner will attempt to make the tax rate 4.5% or somewhere in that range in order to save some face when he doesn’t get his anti-union agenda. The same goes for GA Republicans like Sandack. They know they have to raise taxes and they’re going to “start” at 4% or 4.5% once the boss says “it’s time”.
Comment by Timmeh Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 11:43 am
Google YoDa Loops
https://www.google.com/search?q=YoDa+Loops&espv=2&biw=960&bih=473&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjnpcW-69HJAhWLth4KHeHeAbIQ7AkIKg
LOL
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 11:43 am
Sure there are. There are many ways of reducing the regressive personal income tax through use of other revenue sources, and we’ve talked about a lot of them on this blog over the years. Do I need to enumerate. Expand the sales tax base. Tax retiree income. Let’s expand on the latter. Do you have a Mitt-Romney size deferred comp kitty.
Have to take a RMD this year? No matter how plump that kitty is, you won’t have to pay a dime in Illinois taxes on your RMD.
Comment by Cassandra Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 11:58 am
I remember not long ago, MJM having a beef with some media reporting and him not holding press conferences or answering any questions for quite a while.
Could we see a repeat of this?
Comment by Bloomin Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 12:11 pm
Sandack has become so one-dimensional that he should consider a run at professional wrestling. He can use the outfit from “Watchmen” with a crossed out dollar sign as his logo.
Comment by Jocko Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 12:13 pm
Rauner has admitted that more revenue is needed. But Madigan’s comment during his follow-up presser is the first I’ve heard that BVR wants to do that by hiking the sales tax, our most regressive tax. No surprise, I guess. But that would make middle and low-income taxpayers bear the brunt of the tax hike while leaving the very wealthy mostly unscathed. Middle-income Rauner supporters, please take note.
Comment by X-prof Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 12:14 pm
The City Club gave him a standing ovation!?! That group is the most overrated, self-absorbed bunch I know. Not ‘movers and shakers’ but toadies who want contracts and are part of the problem!
Comment by Let'sMovetoNorthDakota Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 12:39 pm
== I wonder if the Republican caucuses in each chamber know which of them will have to vote yes for the tax increase. ==
When it finally gets to the point where votes get taken, expect Madigan and Cullerton to insist on all GOP members being green before they put up any D votes to make up the needed difference.
Comment by RNUG Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 12:44 pm
Cassandra: Good point about taxing retiree income. It is difficult to defend the total exemption on pensions and Social Security no matter how high the income. What pol is brave enough to advocate repealing the exemption?
Comment by nona Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 12:48 pm
I might be in the minority, but I don’t think MJM mis-spoke. I think he knew exactly what he was saying.
He threw the statement out there to get people talking and to let some people to take positions they will have to retract in a few months. Come this fall, you’ll see a bunch of commercials where this or that R says they will never vote for the tax hike followed by “and on xxx they voted for a n% tax hike”, followed by “vote for xxx, he won’t flip flop on his promises”.
Comment by RNUG Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 12:49 pm
===Maybe Team Rauner doesn’t have Mark on speed dial.===
Heh. Or maybe Brown maintains a sense of integrity and independence, rare traits in a columnist today (present company excluded of course).
I still don’t see how it’s Madigan’s mistake that he’s being intentionally misquoted to advance the plutocrats’ agenda. But whatever, the myth is now fact, so score one for the rich guys.
But we all know how this is going to end, right? Madigan’s comments, in my opinion, brought us closer to an end. Rauner, Sandack and Radogno’s spiking the football is not only odd, it’s counter-productive (assuming a balanced budget is seen as a necessary and beneficial thing).
The superstars are going to need more than Jedi mind tricks to spin this when Rauner signs the tax hikes that Radogno and Sandack sponsor.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 12:49 pm
Rich, did I miss something? Is it news that Rauner wants to hike sales, not income tax? That’s the headline IMO, if true. I’d like to see the press follow up with the Governor’s office to see if they agree with Madigan’s comment.
Comment by X-prof Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 12:58 pm
X-prof,
I believe Madigan was referring to Rauner’s alleged preference to expand the sales tax to certain services. Rauner has not proposed raising the sales tax rate, just applying it to things like dry cleaning, haircuts, etc.
Comment by 47th Ward Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 1:01 pm
== I wonder if the Republican caucuses in each chamber know which of them will have to vote yes for the tax increase. ==
Surely they know all that Rauner money they’re pocketing comes with a price.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 1:27 pm
For how many years now has it been the CW that both revenues and cuts are going to be needed to start filling the hole? At least going back two elections for governor. This is as much of a news item as a forecast amounting to dark tonight, lighter tomorrow.
Comment by vole Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 1:31 pm
===Surely they know all that Rauner money they’re pocketing comes with a price.===
That would make the concept universal and bipartisan now, wouldn’t it?
Comment by A guy Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 1:32 pm
If Scott Reeder ever retired as a “journalist” then Sandrock could take his place without anyone even noticing a change in content.
Comment by Joe M Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 1:49 pm
Thanks, 47th. On second viewing, I think you’re right. Expanding the sales tax base is still a regressive change, if not a new proposal. Does anyone have numbers to tell if it would generate enough new revenue to fill the gap if the rate stays the same? My gut says not even close, but it could be part of a compromise package.
Comment by X-prof Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 1:52 pm
=He threw the statement out there to get people talking and to let some people to take positions they will have to retract in a few months.=
RNUG- You are absolutely correct on this and I would bet my house and kids college fund on it.
In sports terms MJM ran a screen pass and the GOP over pursued, they just have not had the “Oh Crap!” moment where they realize it and somebody is streaking toward the end zone.
EVERYONE knows that we are going to get a tax increase. Radogno and Sandack were among a crew that immediately pounced on MJM’s statement. How will they spin their yes vote on a tax hike?
I think it is MJM who out smarted the wiz kids and they pounced on it. He knew they would.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 2:02 pm
Rauner has called before to “broaden” the sales tax, i.e. apply it to the plethora of services in Illinois that aren’t taxed, but rather than use that as a means of lowering the rate on general goods, he’d use it to avoid restoring the five percent income tax rate. In other words, being the second most regressive taxing state in the union isn’t enough. He wants to be number one.
Comment by Angry Chicagoan Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 2:19 pm
How regressive an expanded sales tax would be depends on what is taxed. For example, middle class citizens probably spend much less than the wealthy on legal services.
Anyway, the idea here shouldn’t be how much can we get the middle class to pay, because it’s more covenient than real change (like taxing retirement income} and anyway we don’t want to annoy our rich contributors. I’m with Hillary. The middle class needs a tax break. A big one.
Comment by Cassandra Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 3:11 pm
To “The Owl”,
All 67 GOP GA will indeed be “green” on, at least a 33% tax increase.
Cullerton and Madigan will insist, and Rauner needs his deal.
if the FY2015 proved amything, it proved Rauner owns the switches… all 67
You may look foolish in the end.
OW
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 3:24 pm
I don’t see any tax hikes until the general election ballot is set and both parties have filled the GA races. Only then will the vote counting for a tax increase begin.No one with general election oppo will be voting for any tax hikes.
Comment by Joe Blow Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 3:39 pm
No one with general election opposition on the D side will be voting for any tax increase.
There, it’s fixed.
Comment by RNUG Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 3:43 pm
==When it finally gets to the point where votes get taken, expect Madigan and Cullerton to insist on all GOP members being green before they put up any D votes to make up the needed difference.==
I don’t disagree with you here, RNUG, but this stance will be a negotiation and will be yet another delay in coming together on budget. I’d expect Rauner to insist on same percentage green from each party.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 3:57 pm
- Robert the Bruce -
With respect,
The FY2015 taught is one thing;
When Madigan and Cullerton insist on the 67 “Green”, Eauner delivers, the 67 “Green”
Rauner, like a governors, needs a budget, and the Rauner Tax, the tax Rauner himself will indeed sign, will require 67 “Green”
It would be malpractice by both Madigan and Cullerton no to insist, and the will get them all…
Including… The Owl…
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 4:07 pm
Cassandra, I’m with you on principle — low and middle-income taxpayers need relief. But I think you’re missing what life is like for the 1 percenters as it applies to sales/service taxes. As impressive their mansions, high-priced their lawyers, and generally luxurious their lifestyles, their sales tax, with or without a service tax, is still a small fraction of their annual incomes. Sales tax (excluding services) now represents only 0.8% of the top 1 percent’s income vs 7.1% for the bottom 20%. Expanding the base for sales tax or increasing its rate would make the IL tax system more regressive.
Many low and middle class tax payers are unaware that their annual sales tax exceeds their personal income tax by a significant margin, probably because most people don’t tally their annual sales tax.
Comment by X-prof Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 4:26 pm
I’m just glad Sandack has twitter to express his feelings. Listening to him speak in public is like listening to a brutal 1990s late night infomercial guy like Don Lapre. He’s apparently of the belief that whatever he says at any given moment is just so undeniably true it should be recorded as gospel. One of the most annoying figures in Illinois politics. Even if I agreed with him 100% he’d be annoying.
Comment by CrazyHorse Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 5:52 pm
Looking at polls and other data, I can see why a tax increase is so toxic in Illinois. Those who dare to raise the state income tax face lots of peril. Perhaps in this light, it’s easier to understand that some or many conservatives are demanding stuff before giving up something that could torch them.
Democrats may also face danger, as we saw with the way Rauner attacked Quinn. I have no reason to doubt that many Democratic voters are also against an income tax increase.
Sandack tweet: “Will cause more people to leave IL”
Where will they go? Most states surrounding us have higher tax rates. Why haven’t people been pouring into Illinois because our income tax rate is lower (and sometimes much lower) than neighbor states?
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 8:20 pm
Most people don’t make moving decisions strictly on taxes. Jobs and family are usually bigger factors. Climate also plays a part and Illinois claim there, FWIW, is having all four seasons, often in the same month. Unless excessive, and Illinois are not, taxes tend to be a minor consideration.
Comment by RNUG Thursday, Dec 10, 15 @ 9:11 pm
What a twitt structural reform is removing people’s rights,term limits is removing experience with disposable politicians,property tax relieve removes school funding
Comment by Anonymous Friday, Dec 11, 15 @ 8:14 am
Great moves by Trover, and also an epic fail.
It’s why I think Trover is great campaigner but still has a ways to go.
Madigan understands it’s not about how hard you can hit, but how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward. Not about how many rounds you win or lose, but who is still standing at the end of 15.
Trover is being rope-a-doped, and he doesn’t see it.
Comment by Yellow Dog Democrat Friday, Dec 11, 15 @ 8:21 am