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* Gov. Bruce Rauner appeared before the Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable yesterday and was whether he supported abolishing the estate tax. Here’s his reply…
Our estate tax should be eliminated. I’ve recommended that every year that I’ve been governor.
He has? I couldn’t find anything on Google about an official proposal while he’s been governor to abolish the estate/inheritance/death tax. Maybe you can help me find something because I also asked his press office for a response and haven’t heard back. And I searched through all of his budget addresses and couldn’t find anything, either…
*** UPDATE *** Text from Rep. Stephanie Kifowit (D-Oswego)…
Hi Rich, Just saw the blog. I introduced HB0648 - which would protect family farms from the estate tax if it is passed down to a qualified heir. It got stalled in subcommittee and I never once was contacted by the Governors office about it. I’m reintroducing it again next session.
But, hey, at least the governor is now firmly on record….
Pritzker said he hopes to keep the estate tax from hurting farmers but didn’t come out completely against it.
* Speaking of stuff that isn’t true…
“I’ve lived in Illinois for 62 years, my entire life. I don’t know of a more important election in my lifetime than this election. Everything is on the line,” Rauner said.
I guess those years he spent at Dartmouth and Harvard don’t count?
…Adding… He also lived in Arizona for a few years before college…
In 1971, when Rauner was a student at Lake Forest High School, the family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona. Vincent had left his law firm to head up Motorola’s lucrative patents division, based in nearby Phoenix. Rauner finished high school there, then entered Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, in 1974.
He returned to Chicago for a year in 1978. Then left again.
* More on taxes…
“Pritzker has proposed a mileage tax on cars. … Put a box in your car, measure your miles and pay a tax based on how many miles you drive,” Rauner told reporters after addressing about 100 at the Illinois Agricultural Legislative Roundtable at Rader Farms. “That’ll be devastating for farm families (and) anyone who lives in a small town or rural community.”
Pritzker denied that he has such a plan but didn’t back away from the idea entirely while addressing reporters after his remarks.
“What I said is there are tests that have been done on this (tax) and I think we’ve got to look for how we’re going to pay for infrastructure in the state. It’s not anything definitive,” said Pritzker. “We can’t … go without an infrastructure capital bill for the state. It’s late at this point.”
This is what Pritzker said in January that got Rauner all riled up…
“In some states (such as Oregon) they have done tests recently for a VMT tax because we have more and more electric cars on the road, more and more hybrids, and because gas mileage is rising. It’s only fair if you’re on a road and traveling on that road that you should pay your fair share,” he said.
A VMT tax “is something we should look at … we have to careful how it gets implemented and that’s why it should only be a test at this point.”
Voters don’t do nuance.
* One more tax thing…
On ethanol-based fuels E-85 and E-15, however, Pritzker was more assertive, saying he completely supports sales tax exemptions to encourage farmers to work with those alternative energy sources. Rauner said he would like to negotiate some kind of new policy.
* Related…
* Rauner, Pritzker Face Off in Southern Illinois Forum: “Higher taxes and more corruption which is what Madigan and my challenger are really part of,” he said. He also embraced several Trump administration policies. “The White House and Congress cut the tax burden, removed the red tape on businesses, fought unfair trade deals,” he said. “We need to do the exact same thing for the state of Illinois.” He even incorporated a familiar phrase. “This is the greatest place on earth, Illinois, and we’re going to make it great again,” Rauner said.
* Gov. Bruce Rauner, J.B. Pritzker clash at agriculture forum over Trump policies: Rauner also appeared to acknowledge the region’s support for Trump and how that could assist him after largely distancing himself from the controversial president. “Lower the taxes, roll back the income tax hike, cut the red tape and we’ll get Illinois booming just the way the federal government has done for the U.S. economy,” Rauner said. “The U.S. economy is strong. Illinois is doing fairly well because the federal government — the White House and Congress — has cut the tax burden, cut the red tape on businesses, fought unfair trade deals, fought against illegal immigration, and we’re strong and we’re getting stronger. We need to do that exact same thing for the state of Illinois,” he said.
* Rauner, Pritzker Make Back-To-Back Pitches To Illinois Farmers: Pritzker said Rauner hasn’t delivered for Illinois farmers, including during the two-year budget standoff. He cited the 2017 closure of the Department of Agriculture’s Galesburg Animal Disease Laboratory, at the time the state’s only animal-disease testing lab.
* Rauner Vetoes Bill to Create Urban Agriculture Zones in Illinois: This spring, the legislation passed the Illinois House by a vote of 86-22 and the state Senate by a unanimous 55-0 vote. But Rauner issued an amendatory veto Monday, proposing to strip the bill of property tax abatements and other incentives that would have benefitted urban farmers. Using property tax abatements to incentivize growing “would continue a problematic pattern of shifting property taxes to other taxpayers who may or may not directly benefit from the creation of these Urban Agriculture Zones,” Rauner said in his veto message. “Abatements like this simply redistribute property taxes, when homeowners are already struggling under the immense weight of their own tax burdens.”
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 11:59 am
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Okay. This will be the first and last time I defend Rauner. But here’s the thing: When I went to Champaign, I would have told you that I live in Rockford. That’s where I voted, that’s where I kept my stuff, and that’s the place I called home. So if he felt like he still lived in Illinois when he was in school, I grant him that.
Don’t get used to this, Brucie. I still hate you with the heat of a thousand suns.
Comment by Soccermom Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:05 pm
There is a lot to complain about when it comes to Rauner exaggerating the truth, but saying he didn’t live in Illinois when he was in college is a stretch. Most college kids I knew still say they “lived” elsewhere while they were in college.
Don’t exaggerate; it diminishes the real complaints.
You could have instead pointed to his multiple homes in multiple states and said he lives everywhere!
Comment by Not It Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:07 pm
The estate tax is the greatest bogus reverse class warfare issue on the planet. It effects less than 1 tenth of 1 percent of estates and slightly larger than zero family farms. What a stupid waste of space.
Comment by Chicago Cynic Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:08 pm
“I don’t think this Rauner claim is true.” should be on some type of form that you can use many times between now and election day. Is there an Illinois Estate Tax?
Comment by HL Mencken Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:09 pm
“Rauner, Pritzker face off in Southern Illinois forum”
I know that Chicago is out of touch with the rest of the state…but come on…Normal is not southern IL.
Comment by Dave W Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:11 pm
I seconds soccermom. On both sentiments.
Comment by BothSidesOfHisMouth Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:13 pm
HL Mencken - There is an estate tax in Illinois. We are one of a handful of states that still has one.
Comment by Anon Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:14 pm
== “Pritzker has proposed a mileage tax on cars. … Put a box in your car, measure your miles and pay a tax based on how many miles you drive,” ==
The next step after that is the dreaded Orifice Tax.
Comment by Streator Curmudgeon Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:15 pm
Not mentioned/criticized by Rauner is the mileage tax on cars some Congressional Republicans want …
https://www.politico.com/story/2018/05/08/graves-supports-a-switch-to-a-vmt-fee-573721
Comment by Leigh John-Ella Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:18 pm
He had 4 years to eliminate and hasn’t. Why is he running as if he is not a sitting governor? You got 5 months to eliminate it before our next governor gets in office. Get to work.
Comment by Real Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:20 pm
I didn’t consider my dorm room at college my home. My driver’s license said I still lived with my parents.
And I’m not against a mileage tax. You could argue we already have an indirect mileage tax with the taxes on gas.
Comment by Perrid Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:27 pm
We already have a tax on how many miles you drive….it’s called the gas tax. Replacing it with a modern method isn’t a shocking proposition. If you’re driving farther than other people, you’re already paying more. If you’re driving a vehicle with lower gas mileage you are too.
Comment by NoGifts Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:27 pm
Was he home for the summer during his college and graduate school years like most students?
Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:28 pm
===I’ve lived in Illinois for 62 years, my entire life.===
That so? Huh.
Where did Bruce graduate from High School?
How was the commute?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:29 pm
Ummm… he lived in Arizona for a while in high school…
“In 1971, when Rauner was a student at Lake Forest High School, the family moved to Scottsdale, Arizona. Vincent had left his law firm to head up Motorola’s lucrative patents division, based in nearby Phoenix. Rauner finished high school there, then entered Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, in 1974.”
http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/October-2014/Bruce-Rauner/
Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:31 pm
===but saying he didn’t live in Illinois when he was in college is a stretch===
Not if his parents were living in Arizona.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:38 pm
You know if Rauner went from Lake Forest to Dartmouth you could say he still lived in Illinois. But he didn’t do that. He went from the Phoenix area to NH.
Comment by Cheryl44 Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:38 pm
===If you’re driving a vehicle with lower gas mileage you are too===
It’s also targeted at people like me who have electric cars.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:39 pm
“Our estate tax should be eliminated. I’ve recommended that every year that I’ve been governor.”
Well, to be fair, he could have muttered that to himself in the mirror every year;) But for someone who didn’t inherit a nickle and ain’t leavin’ the kids anything, seems like he’s helpin’ Pritzker’s family out on that one… or just playin’ a tune to the crowd. /s
Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:40 pm
===Was he home for the summer===
I don’t know if he went home to Arizona, but what would be your point?
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:42 pm
By going out of state to attend college, that makes a statement of living one’s entire life in Illinois a lie?
Seems like Capitol Fax just jumped the shark.
Comment by Louis G Atsaves Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:44 pm
===By going out of state to attend college===
- Louis G Atsaves -
Where did Bruce graduate high school?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:47 pm
To the VMT- Please, someone, explain to me how we will collect from people visiting or driving through our State. By not including them in an Illinois VMT, we residents are paying more than our share for infrastructure upkeep on certain routes. In addition, my little hybrid saves gas that other less efficient drivers can use. It also does not tear up the roads like heavier vehicles can and do. And, for those who believe the speed limit is just a suggestion, the gas mileage you get really should be a reality check. But, I guess, the more you use, the more tax base you contribute;)
Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:49 pm
What if you driving out of state? Would that box pro rate your mileage for not using Illinois roads?
Comment by FormerParatrooper Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 12:54 pm
Ethanol needs to go. Every time a politician talks about is support for it, I realize they have not a freaking clue.
Ethanol is bad for everyone except corn farmers and contractors. It is literally a government handout. And it saves no fuel, it pollutes just as much, and actually more to create it from start to finish.
Ethanol needs to go.
Comment by allknowingmasterofracoondom Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 1:09 pm
===Would that box pro rate your mileage===
It’s highly doubtful this will even become a law, let alone an actual proposal. Try reading a bit more closely. Voters may not do nuance, but commenters should at least try.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 1:12 pm
Did his parents sell the Illinois home? Who would go to Phoenix in the summer if they didn’t have to?
Did the family spend summers in Phoenix or Illinois?
No one has any idea but they are sure Rauner is lying
if only you guys would direct your outrage at issues that actually matter
Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 1:12 pm
LP, the only outrage is coming from you. Try a nap.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 1:14 pm
=No one has any idea but they are sure Rauner is lying=
Sorry, ever since that fib about his grandpa that’s been my default position. But I could see your rationale on how Rauner might be able to move with his parents to Phoenix, graduate from high school there, all the while “living” in Illinois.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 1:32 pm
“=No one has any idea but they are sure Rauner is lying=” I just asked the little old lady at the grocery store and she confirms that he lived here his whole life. /s
Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 1:42 pm
So Rauner lived in AZ for approximately 3 of his 62 years not counting college. I’d say this rates pretty low on the Rauner Dishonesty Scale.
Comment by Cubs in '16 Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 1:51 pm
Way around vmt is to charge a higher license renewal fee based on mpg for hybrids and electric vehicles.
Comment by Huh? Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 1:56 pm
=== I don’t think this Rauner claim is true ===
With Rauner, the default position is to not believe him until it’s verified.
Comment by Norseman Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 2:24 pm
=LP, the only outrage is coming from you. Try a nap.=
Try not overindulging with the Pritzker Kool Aid for once
Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 2:48 pm
Huh?- If I drive in town, I can get 100 mpg. On the road in the summer, up to 50. Fall/Winter, maybe 43. How would that be done with a license plate fee? Graduated mpgs?
Comment by Anon221 Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 2:48 pm
The point is not the accuracy of his statement but rather the continuing contempt for any truth. Brucie will say anything to promote whatever bogus point he has to argue.
Comment by d.p.gumby Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 2:51 pm
While a VMT is unlikely, the fact that Pritzker is willing to consider it speaks to the fact that he wants revenue, revenue and more revenue. It is hardly an example of a progressive tax, and it would likely have a negative impact on those that can least afford it.
JB has big plans that require big money. So far all I’ve heard as far as details on getting that money is that he wants Rauner and himself to pay more.
I’d ask where the beef is, but I think I know the answer.
Comment by SSL Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 2:54 pm
“This is the greatest place on earth, Illinois, and we’re going to make it great again,”
The perfect Rauner contradiction in one sentence.
Comment by a drop in Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 3:06 pm
Do legislative round tables with farmers really matter? I’m not sure anyone in the entire national economy has benefited from NAFTA and trade with China more than Illinois farmers — yet they voted overwhelmingly for a candidate for president who promised to dismantle both those things.
Comment by Roman Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 3:36 pm
=While a VMT is unlikely, the fact that Pritzker is willing to consider it speaks to the fact that he wants revenue, revenue and more revenue.=
Wants or need? Because it seems that we have a fundamental math problem that needs to be addressed. And if that problem can be solved without revenue I’d like to see that math.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 3:58 pm
=So Rauner lived in AZ for approximately 3 of his 62 years not counting college. I’d say this rates pretty low on the Rauner Dishonesty Scale.=
Very True, but that is hilarious as well when you consider the breadth of the Rauner Dishonestly Scale or RDS.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 4:08 pm
Sounds like LP joined Rauner’s wine club.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 4:09 pm
My point is this, JB has spoken of many big ticket items during the campaign. Expanded healthcare, big infrastructure etc.
The state already is drowning in debt.
You can’t have it all. Scale back some of the wish list and get your fiscal house in order before increasing taxes on the already overburdened taxpayer. The state is shrinking. You want that to continue, keep taxing and spending.
Comment by SSL Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 4:10 pm
“keep taxing and spending.” Unless of course, you’re providing services that people want and will move here to obtain.
Comment by Skeptic Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 4:12 pm
Okay. I withdraw my spirited defense. All he has to say is “almost all my life” or “ever since I got out of school.”
Why is telling the unvarnished truth so difficult with this guy?
Comment by Soccermom Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 5:14 pm
JS Mill - wine club or whine club? I guess either one works.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 5:34 pm
“Why is telling the unvarnished truth so difficult with this guy?”
Lack of practice.
– MrJM
Comment by @misterjayem Thursday, Aug 23, 18 @ 5:41 pm