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Poll: Illinois voters steaming mad, half considered leaving

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Illinois
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* This poll for the Illinois AARP is of registered voters 25 or older. It was conducted July 19-30 and has a margin of error of +/-2.8 points…

Two-thirds (65%) of Illinois registered voters ages 25 and older rate their anger about Illinois’ current fiscal situation as a ‘4’ or a ‘5’ on a scale of one to five (‘5’ meaning extremely angry). While at least sixty-two percent of Republican, Democrat, and Independent voters rate their anger as a ‘4’ or a ‘5’, Republican voters are significantly more likely than Democrat voters to express these levels of anger.

Most (84%) of Illinois registered voters ages 25 and older ‘agree’ (strongly or somewhat) that the Governor and state legislature need to make addressing the state’s billions of dollars in unpaid bills,unpaid additional interest, and unfunded pension obligations a top priority in 2019. A notable two-thirds (65%) say they ‘strongly agree’. With at least 63 percent of voters across political parties, Republican, Democrat, and Independent voters alike say they ‘strongly agree’ that the state’s critical debts need to be a top priority in 2019.

Most (73%) of Illinois registered voters ages 25 and older have heard someone they know talk about leaving Illinois to live elsewhere and half (49%) have personally considered relocating. Top reasons for moving elsewhere include lower taxes, lower cost-of-living, and better run state and local government. […]

A recent statewide poll conducted by the Paul Simon Public Policy Institute found that 84 percent of voters felt the state was off track and heading in the wrong direction. A similar sentiment emerges in this survey: nearly three-quarters of all Illinois registered voters ages 25 and older think that Illinois is off on the wrong track, and over half think the state’s economy has gotten worse since 2015. Additionally, few voters think their personal economic situation has gotten better with 78 percent saying their situation has worsened or stayed the same. […]

(M)ost (75%) Illinois registered voters ages 25 and older say they ‘strongly agree’ that the state has serious financial problems, and many are angry about the state’s current financial situation. When asked to rate their anger about this on a scale of one to five, with five being extremely angry, two-thirds (65%) ratet heir anger a ‘4’ or a ‘5’. […]

In June of this year, a bi-partisan Illinois budget agreement was signed into law. While a significant event,registered voters in the state are wary of its impact on the state’s fiscal situation. Data from this survey show that most are not confident at all (73%) that the recent budget agreement will reduce the state’s fiscal problems and most are concerned (73%) that it could negatively influence their personal economic circumstances over the next few years.

Whew.

* On to possible solutions…

Nearly six in ten (59%) Illinois registered voters ages 25 and older ‘support’ a change in the tax structure from a flat-tax structure to a graduated one as a way to help solve the state’s fiscal problems,with more Democrat than Republican or Independent voters supporting this change.

Most (70%) ‘oppose’ taxing retirement income as a way to help solve the state’s fiscal problems. While at least two-thirds of all registered voters across political parties oppose this proposal, Republican voters are significantly more likely than Democrats to ‘oppose’ applying a state income tax to all retirement income as a way to solve the state’s fiscal problems.

People just hate anything to do with messing with retirement income. It’s one reason why even Gov. Rauner opposes a constitutional amendment to change the pension language. Not enough people wouldn’t support it, he recently told Crain’s.

* On to the budget…

Data from this survey show that well over half of all registered voters think ‘Illinois needs to do both – raise revenue and make cuts’. Still, just over one in four feel the problem can only be fixed by cutting state services and programs and about one in seven feel it can only be fixed by taking in more revenue through tax increases. […]

When asked to consider seven areas where cuts could be made, voters are most opposed to cutting services in the following four areas: health care services provided at long-term care (LTC) facilities, public safety services such as fire and police protection, state mental health services and health care services provided at home and community based services (HCBS).

Still, roughly half indicate support for cuts to state services such as infrastructure/transportation services, state grants for municipalities or counties for community programs, and higher education funding. For each proposal, about one in six say they neither support or oppose.

* Revenue…

At least three in five voters oppose taxing retirement income, increasing property taxes, raising the gasoline tax, and increasing the state income tax above the current rate of 4.95 percent as ways to solve the state’s fiscal problems. Voters are somewhat divided about expanding the state sales tax to include consumer services not currently taxed such as hair salons or dry cleaning services. But, nearly three out of five Illinois registered voters indicate support for a change in the tax structure from a flat-tax structure to a graduated one, expanding legalized gambling, and increasing the income tax on annual incomes of one million dollars or more.

More at the Sun-Times.

posted by Rich Miller
Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 2:51 pm

Comments

Respondents are against paying more themselves but perfectly happy to have others foot the bill.

What else is new?

Comment by Anonimity Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 2:53 pm
It’s obviously the weather.

Comment by Rail Splitter Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 2:56 pm
Given the option, most poll responders would have given the A-ok to revenue savings from a crackdown on waste,fraud and abuse.

Comment by Blue Dog Dem Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 2:58 pm
Illinois is one of only a few states who dont tax retirement income. The retirees are using the same roads/services/infrastructure everyone else is so why shouldnt they help pay for it? Otherwise the same narrow tax base keeps getting hit to try and pay off the debt.

Comment by Maximus Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 2:59 pm
I met with a large multi-state staffing firm today. Work Comp rates are devastating to Illinois. Operating in four states, across a variety of manufacturing industries, they note that Indiana rates are exactly 1/3rd the cost of Illinois. Business is booming for them in Indiana, Missouri and Kentucky. The savings in Work Comp rates in those states are now going into the employee’s pockets.

Comment by Downstate Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 3:00 pm
Basically voters want to soak the rich and soak the poor - just don’t touch them. Sigh. I thought those Liberty Lobby radio ads attacking the Madigan Dems (with lip-service attack on Rauner because, you know…) with the tagline “Because they’re the ones who suck!” was silly, but maybe in this climate it resonates.

Broken record time: California went from electing Jerry Brown to Proposition 13 in less than 2 years. When these pension bills really start coming due, look out.

Comment by lake county democrat Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 3:04 pm
I really like politicians. The ones who walk precincts move up the political ladder and really want to do good for the state. They are out there. The problem is high level faucets seems to be the new trophy. You are rich buy the office and show it off and forever have Governor or Senator attached to your name
As a Republican I wish JB luck but he is just another rich amateur with no clue. If only hope since at least he seems to be personable unlike our current disaster he might get something good done

Comment by DuPage Saint Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 3:07 pm
Maybe one more poll question.

Would you reconsider leaving Illinois if Rauner left Illinois?

Comment by don the legend Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 3:13 pm
I think it doesn’t tell us much unless we compare it to other states, or national averages. From what I see, nationwide everyone is mad and doesn’t want to pay taxes. Hasn’t it always been that way?

Comment by NoGifts Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 3:14 pm
“Anger” seems to be something most can agree on these days.

Comment by wordslinger Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 3:17 pm
=The savings in Work Comp rates in those states are now going into the employee’s pockets.=

All evidence to the contrary.

Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 3:28 pm
Reinforces my opinion that Nixon’s Silent Majority is angry and may show up at the polls again this time.

Comment by RNUG Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 3:37 pm
60% are against increasing the income tax above 4.95%. 60% are for a graduated income tax with no specifics on rates. In other words, more people prefer someone else.

I’m surprised both numbers aren’t higher.

Comment by City Zen Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 3:42 pm
Wonder how many would support taxing retirement income over a certain threshold. The survey says taxing all retirement income.

Also wonder about revenue from legal weed. That might help with the anger issues too.

Comment by Johnnie F. Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 3:43 pm
Cleanup on aisle Anonymous please.

Comment by Responsa Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 3:53 pm
Kind of like NIMBY. People will support anything that doesn’t adversely impact them. With JB ripping off Cook County taxpayers- he is hardly going to be a great spokesperson for a fairer tax regimen. We can look forward to more taxpayers leaving and left behind will be those that need govt assistance. Not a great equation

Comment by Sue Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 3:55 pm
I think these polls are probably pretty accurate when it comes to the anger. A few weeks ago a young woman who was a Rauner supporter knocked on my door. She was polite as was I. She asked me if I had made up my mind and if so who I was supporting and I told her JB. She asked me what I thought was the most important issue for the state. I told her that we have to start paying down our enormous debt. Rauner just stated a couple weeks ago that we have bigger issues than our debt. Sounds like many voters understand the importance of it but Rauner still doesn’t.

Comment by The Dude Abides Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 4:03 pm
-What do you like about voting Republican?-

I’ll bite.
The larger we allow our government to grow, the more opportunities for graft, corruption and insider deals. Chicago/Cook County Property tax deals are but a symptom of a HUGE problem.

Republican’s, since taking back the White House, have healing powers. Hundreds of Thousands of citizens on disability have left the roles, due to the opportunities of an expanding economy. They literally have decided that being a productive member of society, is far better than being on disability.

Trump has renegotiated NAFTA to improve the US’s position. While Mexico and Canada didn’t like it, the new agreement is much more favorable to creating jobs in the US.

Trump has ended the DOJ practise under Obama that allowed civil money penalties to be paid to designated “interest groups” rather than to the US Government. Those interest groups, in turn, donated to the Democratic party.

North Korea and Iran aren’t pounding their chest much these days. We were told that Trump would set off a powderkeg in the Middle East by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Not only was their no powderkeg, Saudi Arabia is now becoming an ally of Israel.

Only Democrats have told me that:
1. I could keep my Doctor, and my plan, along with lower health care costs under Obamacare.
2. We, as a nation, could never drill our way to lower oil prices.
3. That a 3% GDP growth rate was never going to be achievable.
4. That the election of Donald Trump signaled the top end of the stock market.

Comment by Downstate Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 4:05 pm
One generation, from roughly 1978 - 1992, increased government employee benefits and pay, but not taxes ($250B owed now). You can tax people who received that benefit (by taxing retirement income), you can tax new sources of revenue (a State cropland Property tax) or you can keep the status quo.

If the future for a young family is constant tax increases, decreasing home values, and decreasing services, what is the incentive to stay? In order to payback the unfunded pension, each household would have to pay an additional $1,700 per year for 30 years.

I already pay 2.4% of my homes value each year in property taxes. My house is not increasing in value.

I hate to be hyperbolic, but this is a major fiscal emergency. And no one is doing anything about it.

Comment by Realistic Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 4:08 pm
Why I wouldn’t leave?
I love some people here very much.
I don’t love the here, here.

Comment by A guy Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 4:21 pm
My wife and I were State employees who retired and left the state. Our reasons were several, probably #1 was the lack of budget. We surmised that even with a budget, it was unlikely that either of us would make any kind of reasonable raise. We decided to sell our home in the suburbs and head to Florida. Property taxes are about 40% of what we pay in Illinois, the roads and infrastructure is far superior and the weather is fantastic. Best move we ever did. Both of us could have easily put in many more years as we were only in our early 50’s but I have to say this has worked out better than I ever expected.

Comment by Stones Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 4:26 pm
Gonna have to give the voters something if you want their okay for taxing retirement income. Maybe a rate cut to offset the revenue. That pushes the revenue increases off to future years, though.

Comment by thechampaignlife Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 4:55 pm
Shemp, your refusal to answer the question is why Republicans will lose in November.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 5:03 pm
It’s not that hard Anonymous.

Republicans believe in personal accountability, a growing economy unfettered by over regulation and following the law.

Democrats believe in blaming everyone else for their lack of success, big government to fix their problems and abiding by laws that they like.

You are most certainly welcome.

Comment by SSL Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 5:11 pm
“Republicans believe in personal accountability“. Unless your Rauner and you blame Madigan for everything.

“Democrats believe in blaming everyone else for their lack of success, big government to fix their problems and abiding by laws that they like”. So like Brett K, tarriffs, big bailout to farmers to offset tarriff impacts; Trump blaming more… etc etc

The reality is the opposite.
There, fixed it for you.

To the post; Im not getting the constant cries of “do it my way or else I’ll move”. Go ahead and move.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 5:19 pm
The business sentiment is so weak, and we’re about to return to status quo State Government.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 5:35 pm
I’d move to Montana soon, and be a dental floss tycoon.

Comment by My New Handle Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 5:43 pm
Sigh, in my household, we may or may not pay more Illinois taxes with a progressive tax. But I remember when my son only made about %15K and had to pay $60…and we made over $80K…and since we own a home, got over $100 back. THAT is wrong.

Comment by Union Thug Gramma Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 5:44 pm
I have a question for most of you supporting JB. I understand if you are a public sector employee- Rauner is not your guy but for those of you who are private sector or retired- how is it Pritzker is going to make things in Illinois Better. Our homes are continuing to lose value and lag national trends- taxes are certainly going to go higher and our state services are being starved by ever increasing pension costs. So I get it Rauner didn’t get things done but he did check Democratic efforts to spend more on the public sector. What is JB going to do to stop the increasing costs of living in Illinois and attract more employment. He is a true tax and spend democrat. Is that what Illinois needs or can afford.

Comment by Sue Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 5:53 pm
Family and maximizing my pension keep me here for now. Zero desire to stay the minute I retire or change jobs. I am 4th gen Illinois and I will not encourage my children to stay here.

Comment by Shemp Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 6:27 pm
There are more condos being built in Chicago then ever before. And in parts of the city that for years were considered no go areas. Most of the people moving in? Under 30, young and w disposal income. They tend to be progressive. Dems must be doing something right.

Comment by low level Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 6:47 pm
Shemp, don’t let the door…

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 7:31 pm
== - Anonymous - Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 7:31 pm:

Shemp, don’t let the door… ==

Great comeback. Haven’t seen that one. That will surely solve our problems. /s

Comment by Cadillac Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 8:07 pm
===how is Pritzker going to make things in Illinois Better.===

He’s not Bruce Rauner. Although I suppose it could be worse. Going from Pat Quinn to Bruce Rauner confirmed that anything is possible.

Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 8:14 pm
Many Illinois voters want higher taxes on someone via the progressive income tax. JB is the man to get the job done.

Comment by Steve Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 8:50 pm
JB won’t even tell you what his plan is, so I don’t know where the confidence comes from that he’s the man who can get it done. This is the same man who defrauded the county and tried to get an appointment from Blago. I have some swampland in Arizona for you.

Comment by SSL Tuesday, Oct 2, 18 @ 9:26 pm
Cadillac, notice that the same people who say that there’s no such thing as a free lunch are the first ones to complain about taxes?

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 3, 18 @ 12:29 am
=notice that the same people who say that there’s no such thing as a free lunch are the first ones to complain about taxes=. 100%

Or that snow wasnt removed due to cuts or prisons are less safe

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 3, 18 @ 7:04 am