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Tax opponents oppose tax hike

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Illinois

Donning yellow jackets, Representatives Allen Skillicorn and Jeanne Ives spoke out Tuesday against the idea of Illinois becoming the state with the largest tax on motor fuel at a press conference in Chicago.

“The worst kept secret in Springfield is a rumored massive gasoline and diesel tax hike,” Skillicorn said. “Just when gas prices are finally lower right before the holidays, greedy politicians, like the Grinches they are, seem all too willing to take more of our hard-earned money. Nothing like greedy politicians to ruin the holidays for middle class families.” […]

“There seems to be strong support for a major infrastructure funding bill at the federal level,” Skillicorn said. “We need to wait and see what is happening with transportation funding at the federal level and how Illinois will benefit from it. Let’s think strategically here for a change. Rushing in to approve a massive gas tax hike just because fuel prices are low is reprehensible. We need to be strategic about funding roads, not predatory.”

* Prairie State Wire…

Ives hinted there are other options, if only state lawmakers would be more responsible.

“Illinois doesn’t prioritize its spending,” she said. “Look at the $200 million spent on the Obama Center. That money should be used for infrastructure, not a political center for the former president.”

That money is actually being used for infrastructure spending around the center. And $200 million is a one-time drop in the bucket of what the state needs. If she can come up with a couple billion or so in permanent, perennial, do-able cuts, then she may be on to something.

* WBBM Radio…

Ives said the participants of Tuesday’s news conference were emulating the Parisian protesters because they were fighting fuel taxes, too.

If they were “emulating the Parisian protesters” they wouldn’t bother with a press conference.

* Photo that you may or may not wish to caption yourself…

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:33 am

Comments

Ives can’t go away fast enough.

Comment by TominChicago Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:38 am
Kinda disappointed you didn’t use this picture for the caption contest Rich. Though I doubt it will stop OW from doing it anyway.

Comment by ItsMillerTime Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:39 am
===Kinda disappointed you didn’t use this picture===

1) I just now found it;

2) Since that’s not actually Dave Manning’s pic in today’s caption contest, I regret it too. I’m just leaving it up there to mess with Lackman. lol

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:40 am
Yellow is the new … yellow.

Comment by Michelle Flaherty Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:42 am
Let me get this straight: we can’t “cut” our way out of this mess. And we can’t impose new taxes to pay for stuff. And “stuff” doesn’t pay for itself (it ain’t free). So what’s the solution? I know… blame Madigan!

Comment by Colin O'Scopey Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:42 am
Rep Skillicorn- “Yes are are the safety committee can’t you tell by my vest?. Please if there is an emergency follow us out.”

Comment by Les Nessman Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:42 am
There are so few Republicans left in Springfield, we have to use these vests to identify ourselves

Comment by Century Club Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:44 am
Skillicorn singing: Some men hunt for sport,
Others hunt for food,
The only thing I’m hunting for,
Is an outfit that looks good…
See my vest, see my vest,
Stolen from a real union members chest,
Feel this sweater, there’s no better,
Than authentic Irish setter

Comment by Les Nessman Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:44 am
Have they given Rauner his donations back?

Comment by taxed2much Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:44 am
Something tells me Ives would still be unhappy if state services were privided for free.

Comment by Generic Drone Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:46 am
Do they know Halloween is over?

Comment by Stones Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:46 am
Representative Skillicorn as the Captain of the Titanic 2- “Ladies and Gentlemen, Please!! Yes, it’s true we don’t have any lifevests but we have these nice safety reflective vests instead. We were required by law to carry lifevests but as the leading expert in boat safety I decided these vests were cheaper and more efficient. I wish you all well in this unforeseen disaster. If only we invested in the proper infrastructure this could have been avoided.”

Comment by Les Nessman Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:50 am
I can’t understand people that don’t support tax increases.

Comment by Blue Moon of Kentucky Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:50 am
Worst muster drill ever.

Comment by Oof the Magic Dragon Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:53 am
“Red Dawn is here. I’m protecting your FIOA information. Now I’ll take questions… “

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:54 am
It’s about time Illinois leaders stand up for a Solidarity Tax on Wealth and an increase to the minimum wage.

Good on these bold leaders for standing with the yellow vest movement./s

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:55 am
“I bought this tie to accent the vest and highlight the yellow streaks more.”

“We are challenging the Seersucker Caucus to a duel”

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:56 am
–Ives said the participants of Tuesday’s news conference were emulating the Parisian protesters because they were fighting fuel taxes, too.–

They were also destroying, vandalizing and torching private property.

And you still landed on this gimmick?

Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:58 am
So Ives is emulating the French? She admitted that? that is too precious.

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:58 am
They do understand that an infrastructure bill will put a lot of people to work, don’t they? When people work they pay taxes, they buy stuff, and support the economy. The alternative is to keep people unemployed, and the economy stagnant. What exactly is their alternative? I don’t think they can sell enough yellow vests to help.

Comment by Retired Educator Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:59 am
“Massive potholes, collapsing bridges, clogged sewers and unsafe drinking water for everyone” is a heck of a mantra to base their next campaigns upon.

Comment by Dance Band on the Titanic Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 11:59 am
“Use alternate routes.”

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:00 pm
Jeanne Ives needs to just go away for the betterment of everyone that’s D’s and R’s.

Comment by Long Time R Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:04 pm
Heard that Hootie and the Blowfish were reuniting. The Village People too?

Comment by Omay Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:04 pm
“Bruce sent me this costume before our falling out. I still like how it looks so i wear it.”

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:05 pm
“Governor Rauner was gracious enough to donate these vests for our press conference”

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:07 pm
Looks like Uncle Gomer’s Banjo Band with Jingling Jeane.
Anyone think the Commando knows the Yellow Jackets are MANDATED equipment for French motorist. Can’t be something our small government posse wants to model.

Comment by Annonin' Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:07 pm
Helmets would’ve been more prudent for this group.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:07 pm
We are here today to reveal our secret Conservatve Coldplay Caucus. (music starts)
I drew a line
I drew a line for you
Oh what a thing to do
And it was all yellow

Comment by dundun Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:11 pm
==greedy politicians, like the Grinches they are==
As opposed to feckless politicians who run up 7.5 billion in debt and walk out on the tab.

I think the yellow vest is intended to tide them over prior to earning ‘endangered species’ status.

Comment by Jocko Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:11 pm
Between Ives and Ricketts the Illinois Republican Party really has an abundance of terrible options for getting out of the superminority.

Comment by One hand //ing Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:12 pm
Who needs construction equipment when you have such an impressive set of tools there?

Comment by Numada Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:13 pm
“Rep. Skillicorn, flanked by Yellow Vest activists, calls for the abolishment of all fuel taxes and revenue to be replaced by a tax on assets over one million.”

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:15 pm
We need some used tires and diesel fuel so we can fire up our GOP base.

Comment by flea Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:17 pm
Here is the first look at the live action version of “Bob the Builder”. L to R is Roley, Scoop, Farmer Pickles, Dizzy, and finally the star of the show, whose standing at the podium is our hero Bob.

Comment by Les Nessman Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:21 pm
Ives 2022 campaign slogan: five vests, zero badges, zero results.

Comment by Downstate Dem Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:22 pm
Wonder why Bruce isn’t standing shoulder to shoulder with these fiscal warriors. He said he had a capital plan ready to go that did not require any new revenue.

Bruce wasn’t lying was he?

Comment by don the legend Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:23 pm
“Rushing in to approve a massive gas tax hike just because fuel prices are low is reprehensible.”

Wut? Is there anyone actually making that argument, that we should raise the fuel tax just because the price of gas is low? The argument I’ve heard is that the tax has not kept up with inflation, and we don’t have enough money to pay for our roads and bridges.

Comment by Perrid Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:24 pm
“I’m one person talking with 4 people standing around. So this is a union task…”

(Crickets)

“…a union task…”

(Crickets)

“He gets it… “

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:26 pm
https://youtu.be/SNTzOBKs1bA

Comment by Honeybadger Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:28 pm
Man, I was actually on their side about the gas tax but then they start going after the Obama Center… These guys are ridiculous.

By that logic why don’t we just shut down the Lincoln Museum as well, certainly our state would be better served if we just pretended like we didn’t mold two of the most dynamic presidents in American history.

Comment by Driving a car Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:28 pm
That press conference is a level one hazmat situation.

Comment by 47th Ward Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:28 pm
And as the sun sets on Bruce Rauner’s time in office, the GOP’s Village People costume party continues unabated…

– MrJM

Comment by @misterjayem Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:30 pm
“Look at the $200 million spent on the Obama Center. That money should be used for infrastructure”

The OPC is being built by the privately funded Obama foundation.

The legislature appropriated $180 million as a grant to Chicago for roadway improvements in and around Jackson Park.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:31 pm
Simple math. Costs increasing, population decreasing means taxes must increase.

Comment by "Old Timer Dem" Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:33 pm
Kinda like the stunt — because so many Illinois voters relate to Parisians. /s

Comment by walker Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:36 pm
I never listen to these people because they can’t or won’t say how they will cut spending to balance the budget consistent with whatever revenue cuts they advocate. Rauner was an extra special case because with his Amendatory Veto power he could have imposed any cuts he wanted to consistent with his proposed income tax rollback. Republicans have not been a serious party for a long time, and this is an example of why they should not be taken seriously by anybody.

Comment by formerpro Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:46 pm
At least infrastructure state spending has federal government matching funds. What about all the costs of poor infrastructure that doesn’t have federal matching funds? Broken axles and tires, wasting fuel on conjested highways, wasted time (maybe even blowing job interviews) because trains don’t run on time. I don’t see any federal matching funds for those things.

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:49 pm
Plain and simple, these two are part of a circus act that is currently playing but will end soon.

Comment by Elliott Ness Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 12:53 pm
=Man, I was actually on their side about the gas tax but then they start going after the Obama Center… These guys are ridiculous.=

Jeanne Ives knows exactly what’s she’s doing and is speaking directly to her audience.

Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 1:00 pm
And anyone who put Pritzker in office best not complain about the tax hikes when they hit. Just sayin’.

Comment by Anon-WHY-mus Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 1:22 pm
You say that as if paying our bills is a bad thing. I would hope that Pritzker takes the steps to dig us out of the hole we’re in.

Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 1:27 pm
I thought you were bringing the shovels to lean on and the bug truck that goes beep-beep when it backs up.

Comment by PlayK8 Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 1:29 pm
The people in the Dundees buy Skllicorn’s BS.

Comment by A 400lb. Guy on a bed Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 1:30 pm
Jeanne Ives is to Illinois what Sarah Palin is to Alaska

embarrassing

Comment by JS Mill Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 1:35 pm
“roadway improvements in and around Jackson Park” are the most needed in Illinois?

Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 1:39 pm
===are the most needed===

Nobody said they were. However, it’s a viable project and infrastructure improvements need to be done.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 1:41 pm
“Let me get this straight: we can’t “cut” our way out of this mess. And we can’t impose new taxes to pay for stuff. And “stuff” doesn’t pay for itself (it ain’t free). So what’s the solution?”

Term limits.

Comment by Skeptic Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 1:43 pm
“We need to wait and see what is happening with transportation funding at the federal level”

Spoken like someone who doesn’t understand that federal funding requires a local/state match. If Illinois waits too long, the benefit will be zero.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 2:05 pm
“We need to be strategic about funding roads, not predatory.”

So your pothole gets filled while mine gets larger? What a world salad mess.

Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 2:08 pm
Perhaps the Dundee area has no infrastructure needs. You don’t suppose their legislators would vote NO on raising the revenue and YES for spending it on the capital plan? Wouldn’t be the first time a conservative Republican did that.

Comment by anon2 Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 3:31 pm
IL: -45,116

Increased gas tax will increase our sorry state’s negative #

Comment by justacitizen Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 9:00 pm
Come on. A nickel a gallon per year for five years. You would never even notice it given the wide swings in gas prices.

Comment by striketoo Wednesday, Dec 19, 18 @ 9:16 pm