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Question of the day

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A Senate committee advanced several measures that would overhaul the Illinois Constitution to eliminate the lieutenant governor’s office, replace the flat income tax rate with a graduated system based on income and overhaul how legislative districts are drawn.

Similar measures also are moving in the House, meaning it could all be for political show…. If each chamber chooses to pass only their versions of a bill, it would allow lawmakers to say they voted for the changes even if the bills have no chance of becoming law.

All of those issues poll well among the public, but changing the tax structure would be difficult in an election year when it would amount to a tax increase for the wealthy. At the same time, Democrats are loath to pass any legislation that could limit their power, such as eliminating a potential political office or making the legislative mapping process less political.

* The Question: If you could unilaterally change one thing in the Illinois Constitution, what would that one thing be? Make sure to explain your answer. And here’s a link to the Constitution in case you need to reference specific wording.

Also, in anticipation of a flood of responses on one topic, if your answer is “the pension clause,” go ahead and say it, but then give us something else.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:21 pm

Comments

Pension clause.

I think it should be stronger. Current language hasn’t stopped decades worth of politicians trying to find ways to short us.

Comment by steward Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:24 pm
Where to begin. Obviously the pension clause needs to change, as does the flat tax clause. But if I had just one, I’d probably change the constitutional amendment process. It’s structured to give the ILGA leaders a stranglehold to prevent meaningful reform efforts. I’d adopt a far more open system (though not as open as CA) to allow real change.

Comment by Chicago Cynic Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:25 pm
Flat tax. Our system of flat tax revenue hasn’t been working very well. And when one looks at how many other states have a graduated tax verses how many have a flat tax, its hard to argue that they are wrong and Illinois’ flat tax is right.

Comment by Joe M Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:30 pm
Flat tax requirement should be eliminated in favor of a graduated income tax because we can’t cut anymore, we need more revenue and because taxing services or retirement income will not be enough.

Comment by Bobby G Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:30 pm
Impeachment or recall of any or all elected state office holders, either singularly or as a group, should be very, very simple and quick process so voters could cut loose lawmakers that dont have a state budget ready to go and in place by July 1. Period. Number one on my list hands down. This situation is illegal, immoral and absurd.

Comment by Team Warwick Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:34 pm
Choices 1-99 - delete the pension clause.

In a distant 100, remove restrictions on citizen initiated referendums.

Comment by so... Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:36 pm
Can you hear me now?

Comment by Team Warwick Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:38 pm
The complete removal of Article 10. Local control (most preferably familial), and financed locally (individually). Never happen, but you asked. Current system is a dismal failure with no hope of improvement.

Comment by Papa2008 Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:38 pm
Easy.

Repeal the Cutback Amendment.

Get back to 3 members per district in the House.

Then…

Fair Maps. Let these “new maps” elect 3 members, including 1 member of the “minority” party and allow Chicago Republicans to exist, and allow suburban/collar areas to be far more purple.

“Ut oh, OW, you want bigger government and more expensive government too!”

No. Now run the Legislature like states that run 2-year budgets, and far less time in Springfield, and reduce percentages of legislator’s pay by 1/4 and far less session days/per diem, the “superficial” government is “too expensive” schtick.

The House needs to get back to bipartisan rationales… the single-member districts changed things and made the differences grow.

So, “Repeal Cutback Amendment”

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:42 pm
Agree with Cynic. Nobody wants a wholesale mess like California and all their ridiculous initiatives, but citizen efforts should be able to move constitutional amendments forward.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:43 pm
Join other states in changing flat tax to graduated tax. Maybe the reason we are having so much trouble funding basic services is a lack of revenue. Maybe the reason we pay such high property tax is lack of state revenue. Maybe….need I go on? Look at our surrounding states and what they pay at the top graduated rate. They’re not leaving in droves and they have new construction, good roads, JOBS, etc.

Comment by AnonymousOne Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:43 pm
Repeal the flat tax…

Comment by Scamp640 Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:44 pm
I don’t understand those who want to delete the pension clause in order to diminish pension obligations. The U.S. and Illinois Constitutions contract protection clauses (can’t pass post de facto laws that change the obligations of contracts) would still protect those who already started working under a public pension system. Thus the only people that could be changed would be new hires - and their pensions have already been greatly diminished starting 1/1/2011 (Tier II pensions). Those new hires pensions have been diminished to the point that eventually the State will be up against the fact that straight old Social Security will be a better benefit that those Tier II pensions.

Comment by Joe M Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:47 pm
I imagine that a lot of topics will be “hot” in this question. My top 3 that I predict are the Cutback Amendment, the flat income tax, and the comptrollers office. (I guess the pension clause too)

I would want to add the right to work for a gov’t entity without being “represented” by a union.

Comment by A Modest Proposal Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:47 pm
“That’s because a bill has to pass both chambers before it can be sent to the governor for action.”

I was under the impression that legislature approved constitutional amendments for the ballot and the governor has no say.

Comment by chicagogetter Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:48 pm
I’ve got to go with changing flat tax. Our structural problems requires a change is our revenue system.

Comment by Norseman Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:50 pm
If on July 1, the General Assembly and Gov. have not passed a budget,the previous year’s budget takes effect less 10% taken off GRF spending.

Comment by Give Me A Break Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:53 pm
Change flat tax to graduated tax. Because a flat tax is regressive and therefore unfair.

Comment by illinoised Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:56 pm
Term limits for legislators and elected state officials and take away their pension.

Comment by He Makes Ryan Look Like a Saint Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 2:58 pm
Ban ALL Democrats and Republican from elective office in IL for 25 years. No one who has given those two parties money, voted in their primaries, worked for them, volunteered for them, or publicly supported them in any manner would be allowed on the ballots for 25 years.

Those two parties kept independent candidates (exactly like Bernie Sanders) completely off the ballots in IL for 25 years using illegal, unconstitutional election laws and this should be the punishment to start to level the political playing field in Illinois and stop teaching our children that rigging elections is acceptable in a democracy.

Comment by Jeff Trigg Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:00 pm
Allow the graduated tax, but require that the income level for each tier increases by 2% a year unless acted on by 2/3rd of both houses of the legislature and that the maximum rate of income tax charged by state be no more than 2.5x higher than the lowest rate of income tax charged by the state.

Comment by OneMan Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:02 pm
Merge the House and Senate, add a citizens panel a la jury duty with veto power.

Comment by thechampaignlife Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:05 pm
A constitutional amendment stipulating that if a budget agreement is not agreed upon, the budget from the previous year is enacted would be helpful.

Comment by Scamp640 Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:06 pm
Other option: easier access for citizen amendments.

Comment by thechampaignlife Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:07 pm
Flat tax. Too regressive. IL needs to look at taxes differently since it seems pretty obvious that the flat one is not serving us well.

Comment by Belle Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:09 pm
Article IV, Section 2 (b) needs to be amended to include three (3) representatives in each House District, no more than two (2) of them can be elected from the same political party.

Also expand the number of senate districts. The numbers of constituents they current represent are more than double what they were 40 years ago, which makes them less representative of the people. Makes both the house and senate members more accessible to those electing them.

Time to end ironclad leadership control over the legislature. It gives those elected in such a fashion more control over their votes and representation of their district and allows a block of votes for “tough” issues no matter if an election year.

In other words, undo the Quinn amendment from years ago, and couple it with an expansion of the Senate. Time to free government from the current shackles placed upon it. And yes, this expansion of government proposal is coming from a Republican.

Comment by Louis G. Atsaves Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:10 pm
Get rid of the flat tax and replace with a graduated income tax. This would solve a lot problems. Plus close as many loopholes as possible. Lets put gas in the car of state.

Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:11 pm
Flat tax to graduated. Would be a much needed “structural reform”.

Comment by XDNR Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:12 pm
Remap by far. So many other problems would be fixed if we had real elections, which we don’t have now.

Comment by Not It Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:15 pm
some great ideas here, but my number 1 would be dump the flat tax for a graduated income tax.

number 2 would be to make all state elections public funded.

Comment by Ghost Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:17 pm
I would remove the language that requires the income tax rate to be non-graduated. I wouldn’t mandate the graduated tax in the constitution, I would allow the General Assembly to decide the tax rate(s) by statute and to be able to change them by statute.

Comment by The Captain Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:17 pm
I would make the Preamble legally binding. The Preamble to our state constitution is a wonderful summary of what state government is supposed to do. Why state government exists. More public officials need to read it and take it to heart.

Comment by Capitol View Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:18 pm
1 thing is too hard. 3 things:
Repeal the Cutback Amendment.
Graduated income tax (not tied to corporate rate).
Appointed, merit selection of judges (for all least Cook County).

Comment by Keyrock Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:23 pm
See - Louis G Atsaves -

We can agree…

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:27 pm
I vote for replacing the flat income tax rate with a graduated system based on income.

Comment by Mama Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:33 pm
SECTION 1. GOAL - FREE SCHOOLS
A fundamental RIGHT of the People of the State is the
educational development of all persons to the limits of their
capacities.
The State shall provide for an efficient system of high
quality public educational institutions and services.
Education in public schools through the secondary level shall
be free AS A BASIC CIVIL RIGHT. There may be such other free education as the
General Assembly provides by law.
The State has the primary responsibility for financing
the system of public education AND ANNUAL APPROPRIATIONS OF NO LESS THAN 75% OF ALL EDUCATION RELATED EXPENSES SHALL BE TRANSFERRED TO EACH SCHOOL DISTRICTS FROM THE STATE GENERAL REVENUE FUND. A STATE PANEL OF ILLINOIS CITIZENS WILL REVIEW FUNDING NEEDS EACH FISCAL YEAR TO ENSURE THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATES THE NEEDED REVENUES. THE PANEL WILL CONSIST OF 1 APPOINTEE FROM THE SENATE, 1 FROM THE HOUSE, ONE FROM THE GOVERNORS OFFICE, 1 FROM THE VARIOUS STATE TEACHERS UNIONS, AND ONE FROM THE ILLINOIS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
(Source: Illinois Constitution.)

SECTION 2. STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION - CHIEF STATE EDUCATIONAL
OFFICER
(a) There is created a State Board of Education to be
elected or selected on a regional basis. The number of
members, their qualifications, terms of office and manner of
election or selection shall be provided by law. The Board,
except as limited by law, may establish goals, determine
policies, provide for planning and evaluating education
programs and recommend financing. The Board shall have such
other duties and powers as provided by law.
(b) The State Board of Education shall appoint a chief
state educational officer.

BOLD ARE MY CHANGES. Not great legal syntax, but you get my point.

Comment by Try-4-Truth Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:33 pm
2. Remove dark money from all federal and state elections.

Comment by Mama Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:34 pm
The pension clause should be strengthened to require state and local governments to fund 100% of pension obligations. The discount rate used and the required rate of return should be conservative.

Comment by Chicagonk Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:36 pm
Graduated income tax. The state has to have more revenue from somewhere, and it needs all options open to them.

However, I could see the recommendation of Oswego and Louis having a lot more potential positive impact and will reflect on that.

Comment by Earnest Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:39 pm
I was about to vote to permit a graduated tax rate to allow for a less regressive tax structure until I rad Willy’s suggestion to undo the cutback amendment. The cutback amendment has concentrated too much power in the hands of the leaders and has made the rest of the legislature little more than a rubber stamp for the leaders. Giving the rank and file a greater voice to shape the legislative process would make the legislature more representative of the entire state.

Comment by SAP Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:41 pm
1st Require no FY budget may exceed the previous fy gross receipts.

Amend the Pension clause to require the state make the actuarial pension payments. (probably need to smooth out the hole first.

Require the general assembly to pass a multi-year appropriation to cover any state labor contract.

Then pass the graduated income tax with a cap on the top rates say no more than 2.5X the lowest rate.

Comment by State Engineer Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:52 pm
Put some teeth in this provision in the bill of rights, which is now declared “hortatory” - nonbinding do-gooder language — so it can be enforced and provide a remedy against irresponsible legislative inaction.

SECTION 12. RIGHT TO REMEDY AND JUSTICE
Every person shall find a certain remedy in the laws for all injuries and wrongs which he receives to his person, privacy, property or reputation. He shall obtain justice by law, freely, completely, and promptly.
(Source: Illinois Constitution.)

Comment by Alexander Cut the Knot Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 3:52 pm
I think if I had to choose one, it would be repealing the cutback amendment. It allows minority party representation for every district, and could solve some of the other issues like remap without amending the Constitution for that.

Personally, I’m ok with the pension clause. A contract is a contract and without that clause, it’d be pretty easy for state government to shirk its responsibility to its employees.

Comment by Joe Bidenopolous Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:02 pm
Take the amending process out of government and give it to the people. Petitions with a determined number of signatures gets it on the ballot. After all, who’s government is it?

Comment by Mouthy Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:15 pm
Binding initiative–not limited like the present version.

Comment by DSchuler Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:25 pm
Any state employee, including appointed and elected officials, upon conviction in any federal or state court of any felony committed in the course of his duties as such employee, will forfeit any employer made contributions to his pension.

Comment by Cheswick Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:25 pm
Eliminate the flat tax, that is eliminate any tax on incomes.

Comment by anon. Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:27 pm
Um, to his state pension, I meant.

Comment by Cheswick Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:29 pm
‘Not It’ beat me to it. With fairly-drawn districts we could have some actual choices in our elections. Those elected might be more responsive to us. Better maps, more competition, probably better representation. And then, all the rest is possible.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:33 pm
Yikes, sorry. Anonymous @ 4:33 was me.

Comment by South Central Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:36 pm
You have all the GREAT ideas covered. Could we make all house and senate members hourly, part-time employees of the state and use the same formula they use for other hourly, part-time employees.

Comment by BBG Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:38 pm
–Ban ALL Democrats and Republican from elective office in IL for 25 years. No one who has given those two parties money, voted in their primaries, worked for them, volunteered for them, or publicly supported them in any manner would be allowed on the ballots for 25 years.–

What, no concentration camps? Do they have to wear “R”s and “D”s on their shirts at all times, too?

JT, I don’t think a Constitution is the vehicle for what you’re advocating, do you? I’m pretty sure totalitarian purges of your political opponents usually emanate from the barrel of a gun.

You Libertarian Party scamps — why is it so few people take you seriously?

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:43 pm
I think change to the income tax structure is most needed at this point. Eliminate the flat tax.

Comment by Wensicia Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:43 pm
The structural deficit is our number 1 problem, and eliminating the flat-rate income tax is critical to a solution that raises revenue the right way. We wouldn’t have a pension funding problem were it not for our revenue problem. Underfunded pensions are the symptom, not the illness.

Comment by formerpro Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:49 pm
Replace the legislature with a large Grand Jury with each Jury lasting 2 years. The members of the jury would be more likely to vote for the best interests of the state, not themselves or their party. It would take the special interests longer to figure out who to bless with their campaign cash, which, come to think of it wouldn’t even be needed anymore.

We trust juries to determine the fate of people’s lives. I think we can trust them to come up with a budget and policy priorities.

Comment by Past the Rule of 85 Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 4:56 pm
Change from a flat to a graduated income tax. Illinois needs a revenue system that better matches the real world.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 5:05 pm
Scrap the entire Constitution and replace it with Three Laws:

1) The State of Illinois may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2) The State of Illinois must obey orders given it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3) The State of Illinois must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

Plus a graduated income tax.

– MrJM

Comment by @MisterJayEm Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 5:13 pm
Second choice would be to change the recall amendment to make it strictly a citizen’s initiative and expand it to all elected State positions. As to why … because sometimes, when candidates lie about their political agenda, you need a “do over”.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 5:13 pm
–Replace the legislature with a large Grand Jury with each Jury lasting 2 years.–

Sure. As long as I get to pick the jury.

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 5:14 pm
-MrJM-

The 3 Laws of Robotics applied to state government. Isaac would appreciate that adaption.

Comment by RNUG Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 5:16 pm
Term Limits for Legislative Leaders.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 5:29 pm
Term limits on all constitutional offices and General Assembly members.
12 years seems right to me.
We need a representative government not lifetime politicians that select their own constituents.
This one fix would solve many other problems.

Comment by Jake From Elwood Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 5:31 pm
Eliminate the separately elected statewide offices, such as AG, SOS, treasurer etc., and and allow the Governor to appoint with the giving advice and consent. That way a governor can be truly accountable for the success or failure of his policies.

Comment by Casual Observer Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 5:58 pm
Reasonable term limits and change both senate and Rep terms to 4 years.

Comment by Blue dog dem Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 6:14 pm
1) Progressive Tax;
2) Redistricting.

Comment by Lt. Guv. Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 6:19 pm
Term limits - too hard to get tough votes passed because all anyone cares about is being reelected to a part time job that has unbelievable pay, health care and pension benefits. It can also pay big dividends for your side job

Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 6:22 pm
To those in favor of term limits - you do realize you put all institutional memory & power in the hands of legislative staff & lobbyists? I say this as an alumni of each. Seriously, I fear the day when staff and lobbyists are the only ones who know how to work the system.

Comment by Lt. Guv. Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 6:24 pm
Damn, RNUG. You beat me to it.

And Term Limits. Because Madigan.

Comment by Slugger O'Toole Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 6:36 pm
The pension clause, nothing else has caused our state so much financial hardship and no one else has that kind of guarantee for future benifts but a select few.

Redistricting, the illionois democrats have shown how a party can bastetdize democracy with technology and data ( yes, republicans have done it in other states and its wrong there too, but i dont live there).

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 7:45 pm
One subject per bill.

It makes compromise more difficult and ties too many acts up in court on challenges that really should not make a difference.

Pensions, flat tax, etc. are all responses to immediate problems. One subject per bill applies to anything.

The wording, which should all be deleted:

“Bills, except bills for appropriations and for the codification, revision or rearrangement of laws, shall be confined to one subject. Appropriation bills shall be limited to the subject of appropriations.”

Comment by Gooner Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 8:16 pm
Change Illinois flat income tax to a progressive state income tax including retirement income.

Comment by Enviro Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 8:52 pm
Term limits-max 8 yrs for legislators and elected officials. Louis A @ 3:10 pm: I would agree only if term limits were in force. Currently, legislators have no real power because the leaders that have been in office too long control how the legislators vote.

Comment by justacitizen Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 9:10 pm
1. Agree with OW on repealing cutback amendment.
2. Add a graduated rate with all revenues funding a per student voucher similar to G.In bill where parents can pick any licensed school. Add a maintenance of effort clause so this is new money for education, not a bait and switch. Extra funding for special education and gifted students.

Comment by Last Bull Moose Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 9:28 pm
1) Add a discharge petition mechanism so that bills with adequate support (1/2 chamber?) are guaranteed to get directly to the floor for amendment and a vote. Something ironclad enough to escape all the bottling mechanisms used at present.

Comment by peon Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 11:05 pm
Graduated income tax with escalation of the base rate set in multiples of the social security maximum taxable income (up to some maximum multiple), so no-one can argue that the progressive structure will change later.

Comment by peon Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 11:12 pm
The “one change” is actually a deal: Graduated income tax, in exchange for revising the pension clause. Because what’s past is past, and we’ll have to eat it. But it shouldn’t mean we have to live with it forever.

Comment by JB13 Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 11:16 pm
No budget by 1 Aug ? Everyone in House, Senate, Gov, Lt. Gov, automatically up for recall vote first Tue in November, election year or not.

Comment by peon Wednesday, Apr 20, 16 @ 11:17 pm
wordslinger - Everything proposed in my little hyperbole is being done or has been done by the Dems and Reps to thwart their political opposition. To this day in IL, before you run for office you are asked to take a loyalty oath condemning communism and any association with a communist party. Given the chance, I bet you would have no problem if the Ds and Rs went ahead and did the things you accuse me of supporting, seeing as that fits with perfectly with their actions toward political competition.

You bring up concentration camps, which is actually something else the Ds and Rs have done to people they don’t like. If you are going to be silly with exaggerations at least be accurate where you are pointing the blame for that. I didn’t say anything about concentration camps, but your party has actually done just that to people.

Besides, I haven’t done anything to associate with the Libertarian Party in over ten years, it figures your thinking is outdated. But we can put you in the “do as I say, not as I do camp” right along with the George Ryan and Rod Blagojevich of the world. If you have to take personal shots in order to defend the Ds and Rs indefensible treatment of political competition, you sure are slinging something with four letters that smells a lot worse than words.

Comment by Jeff Trigg Thursday, Apr 21, 16 @ 2:27 pm