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* Kiplinger rates Illinois as the least tax-friendly state, mainly because of our property taxes…
Least Tax-Friendly
Illinois’ economic woes are one reason why the Prairie State tops our list of the least tax-friendly states in the country. The state ranks #50 in the latest ranking of states’ fiscal health by the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, and residents are paying the price with higher taxes.
The state’s 4.95% flat income tax rate actually isn’t that high when compared to other states, but other taxes are a doozy. For example, property taxes in Illinois are the second-highest in the nation. On a $400,000 home in the state, the average annual property tax bill would be an eye-popping $9,634.
Sales taxes are high, too. In some municipalities, combined state and local sales taxes exceed 10%. Most states exempt food and drugs from their sales tax, but that’s not the case in Illinois.
* Crain’s…
Connecticut, New York and Wisconsin followed Illinois.
Wyoming was the most tax-friendly on the Kiplinger list, followed by Nevada and Tennessee. Wyoming and Nevada do not have an income tax, while Tennessee’s income tax applies only to interest and dividends, according to MarketWatch.
California did not make the top 10 least tax-friendly states. Although California has one of the highest state income tax rates, it has a progressive income tax with varying rates.
*** UPDATE *** Press release…
Today, Think Big Illinois Executive Director Quentin Fulks released the following statement in response to a new Kiplinger report that ranked Illinois as the least-tax friendly state in the country:
“Illinois’ current tax system is fundamentally unfair, letting millionaires and billionaires avoid paying their share while working families are forced to shoulder the burden. That’s why Think Big Illinois is committed to bringing tax fairness to our state and ensuring our tax system works for everyone, not just the wealthy few.
“During his first legislative session, Governor Pritzker signed a bipartisan balanced budget bringing $8.9 billion in funding to our education system, including nearly half a billion dollars in new funding. This additional funding, along with the revenue generated from the fair tax, will help the state meet its obligation to fund our schools, a critical step toward alleviating the property tax burden on our residents and bringing tax fairness to our state.
“Those who our current tax system benefits are so desperate to avoid paying their share that they’d rather go back to the Rauner years of gutting critical social services, watching our roads and bridges crumble, and forcing local communities to raise property taxes because they refuse to properly fund our schools.
“Illinois’ hardworking families deserve better than that. Think Big Illinois is committed to fighting with Governor Pritzker to ensure our children are getting the quality education they deserve, to lessen the tax burden on our middle and lower-income families, and to bring tax fairness to our state.”
posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 9:56 am
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whatevs
I am looking forward to LP working himself into a lather over this.
The privileged just want justification
for their hatred of having to contribute their
fair share
towards the common good.
Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:04 am
The collar counties have the highest property taxes anywhere in the state.
Comment by DuPage Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:06 am
===collar counties have the highest property taxes===
Try visiting the south suburbs.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:09 am
As long as property taxes remain a primary funding mechanism for schools property taxes are going to remain high. If you want lower property taxes you are going to have to pay higher income taxes.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:10 am
I was surprised by the ranking. I thought Illinois would be near the top but not number 1. But, the key here is the metric they use a $150K couple with two dependents. Many people don’t fall into that category. Having said that , stories like this don’t making going to a progressive income easier because Illinois is a high tax place. But, for some it might not be. Illinois doesn’t tax retirement income.
Comment by Steve Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:10 am
===California did not make the top 10 least tax-friendly states. Although California has one of the highest state income tax rates, it has a progressive income tax with varying rates.===
This Post will be delicious.
On the one hand, the worst taxed state, ugh, and the hemming and hawing and “I’m moving”, and so many IPI folks…
… that California bit is gonna ruin the day for those same folks.
By the measure here, they looked at California;
“…it has a progressive income tax with varying rates.”
It kept California our if the top 10 worst?
Protecting the 3% here in Illinois will be some gymnastics.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:10 am
The Southwest coast of Florida is a haven for Illinois residents and ex-residents. It will grow even more in the upcoming years.
Comment by Pick a Name Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:12 am
“Example?”
===Having said that , stories like this don’t making going to a progressive income easier because Illinois is a high tax place.===
… and yet, in the bottom of the post we read…
===California did not make the top 10 least tax-friendly states. Although California has one of the highest state income tax rates, it has a progressive income tax with varying rates.===
- Steve -, you rarely disappoint.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:12 am
These studies have 1 fatal flaw - they do not account for a state’s ability to export it’s tax liability. Wyoming, for example, exports tax liability via coal extraction taxes. Taxes ultimately paid by the end user of Wyoming coal (same for Alaska & Texas with oil). Florida & Nevada export tax liability onto tourists. While banned by federal law, how much could Illinois raise with a $10 “fee” for every traveler switching planes at O’Hare?
Comment by Anyone Remember Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:15 am
=It will grow even more in the upcoming years.=
As boomers continue to retire and Gen Xers start to retire. Same as it has been for 40 years.
Comment by JS Mill Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:15 am
==
The Southwest coast of Florida is a haven for Illinois residents and ex-residents. It will grow even more in the upcoming years==
It will then be underwater a few years after that.
Comment by Sox Fan Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:15 am
Let’s review what a “fair share” looks like for a 30 year old suburban couple:
1) $7,000 a year in property taxes
2) 4.95% income tax on federally taxable income (not AGI)
3) $0.39/gallon gasoline tax (oh and general sales tax levied on all local/state/county taxes/fees)
4) 8.5% sales tax (6.25% for state, 1% for county, 1.25% for village)
5) 1.75% grocery tax (1% for state, .75% for village)
6) Taxes on utilities (gasoline, water, electricity)
7) Additional 1% sales tax on restaurant “ready-to-eat” food
I am paying more than my “fair share.” There are an onslaught of taxes and fees, with NO relief in sight. If the property taxes were even HALF of what it is, we would be much better off. But all that I have seen is: increased taxes, decreased services, and all the while unionized teachers asking for more, more and more.
Comment by Romeo Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:15 am
===4.95% income tax===
- Romeo -
If the progressive income tax passes, wait to see how happy you’ll be it’s at that level.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:19 am
==The Southwest coast of Florida is a haven for Illinois residents and ex-residents.==
I’m sure it is for a lot of people, not just people from Illinois. It’s the Florida coast. I guarantee you that taxes aren’t the primary reason people are going there.
Comment by Demoralized Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:20 am
Kiplinger rates Illinois as the least tax-friendly state, mainly because of our — LOCAL — property taxes…
The State of Illinois doesn’t have a property tax. That’s all local. School boards, city councils, village boards.
Comment by Michelle Flaherty Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:25 am
My wife and I have considered retiring to Florida several times.
Then we go down there in July.
Comment by efudd Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:26 am
OW
California has Prop. 13 which does put a major clamp on property taxes. I’m not aware of anyone proposing that in the state of Illinois. The question is : can Illinois go to a progressive income tax without Prop. 13 style property tax restrictions when the perception is Illinois is a high tax state?
Comment by Steve Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:27 am
===The question is : can Illinois go to a progressive income tax without Prop. 13 style property tax restrictions when the perception is Illinois is a high tax state?===
It’s really not.
The question on the 2020 ballot pertains to a constitutional amendment on income tax.
Keep up.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:28 am
If that suburban couple has two kids in public school than it paying anywhere hear their fair share. Assume half the 7,000 goes to the school district that means they are way short of paying to educate their kids.
Comment by Romeo Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:37 am
-These studies have 1 fatal flaw - they do not account for a state’s ability to export it’s tax liability. Wyoming, for example, exports tax liability via coal extraction taxes. Taxes ultimately paid by the end user of Wyoming coal (same for Alaska & Texas with oil). Florida & Nevada export tax liability onto tourists…how much could Illinois raise with a $10 “fee” for every traveler switching planes at O’Hare?-
Or how much could Illinois raise by collecting $10.00 for every ton of coal and gallon of oil that comes out of the ground or across the border? Couple that with a property tax reduction and a guaranteed income stream for local governments and schools.
Comment by Froganon Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:39 am
Can someone please explain how some states are operating without income taxes and lower property and sales taxes? It’s not like these states are falling apart — with children not receiving good educations and roads falling apart.
Comment by Just Observing Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:40 am
We have a real opportunity for starting tax reform. We have to right-size the state income tax and state education funding ratio. If we vote on the graduated income tax, which should be very difficult but could happen, we can get more revenue from the people who are doing the best and not paying their fair share in state income tax. We can cut property taxes for many people.
The last governor saw his income skyrocket when he became governor, to hundreds of millions of dollars, and his philosophy was to strip rights from middle class workers at the state and local levels. He loathed a graduated income tax and paying his fair share. Illinois strongly rejected this. Whoever wants this, the door is wide open to leave Illinois.
Local governments can look to use marijuana revenue to help ease burdens on taxes.
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:41 am
Oh Goodness Romeo, you poor thing.
I feel so sorry for you. lol
Comment by Honeybear Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:42 am
The assumption is a couple making $150k with 2 kids, but then also earning $10k/year in dividend income. Depends on the rate of return, but that’s what, like maybe $150k-$200k in investments that they’re earning dividends on (that would be outside of likely long-term tax-deferred retirement savings). I doubt there’s many people in the state that would be anywhere close to that.
Comment by Scott Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:42 am
=Having said that , stories like this don’t making going to a progressive income easier because Illinois is a high tax place.=
I would agree IF the choice was either a progressive tax or no change in current rates. But that’s not where we’re at nor how the issue will ultimately be framed. If we don’t move to a progressive structure the only alternative will be a higher flat tax on everyone.
Comment by Pundent Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:42 am
at least homes in the suburbs appreciate in value and there are good schools. in springfield, and the surrounding areas, average home appreciation is 1.5% (meaning less than inflation, so your home is actually losing value annually) and the schools test at or below the statewide average (meaning the schools aren’t very good). This mediocrity costs 3% of your homes value, annually. in lincoln illinois the owner of a $60k house will pay $1,700 a year in real estate taxes, which is crazy
Comment by Merica Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:44 am
@Romeo at 10:37 is NOT me. Please come up with your own, original, moniker.
This particular suburban couple does not have any children in public school.
@ OswegoWilly: the 4.95% is already high enough as it it. I moved here when it was 3%, then to 5%, then to 3.75% and now back to 4.95%. I have lived in Minnesota, where the income tax rate was 7%. However, Minnesota does NOT tax groceries and it does NOT tax clothing (you know…basic necessities and all). Minnesota is also NOT overly reliant on property taxes.
I don’t mind paying a higher income tax rate, but my property taxes need to be significantly lower. Literally $20 a day go to my property taxes. The County doesn’t care if I’m dead, lost my job, or have cancer…they want their money and they want it now.
Comment by Romeo Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:44 am
I feel sorry for you, Honeybear, as your prose gets tiring. Oh, and from what I gather…you live in the metro East, so I really do feel sorry for you. At least I live in the suburbs.
Comment by Romeo Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:45 am
Nevada looks good-property taxes are reasonable too.
Another reason California didn’t make the top/bottom ten is Prop. 13.
Comment by elmer w. Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:47 am
Romeo, you forgot Illinois’ cellular tax: 20.91%
Highest in the nation.
Comment by City Zen Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:49 am
===the 4.95% is already high enough as it it…. I have lived in Minnesota, where the income tax rate was 7%.===
So it’s not high enough?
===However, Minnesota does NOT tax groceries and it does NOT tax clothing (you know…basic necessities and all). Minnesota is also NOT overly reliant on property taxes.===
Why did you move back?
Not a snide question.
You want this about your personal experience, than why come back?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:53 am
Fair Tax passes. Use increased revenue to support the things the local districts had to pay for, [because the State wasn’t] through increasing propert taxes.Get a commitment from local disitricts that they will in fact reduce the property tax, because now ths State is actually supporting what it should. We all like to have the services provided but don’t want to pay for them.
Comment by JuMP Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:56 am
Winning progressive income tax message is “we will reform property taxes.”
Comment by Southern Illinois Mayor Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 10:59 am
@Froganon: “While banned by federal law, how much could Illinois raise with a $10 “fee” for every traveler switching planes at O’Hare?”
I suspect that would actually be a net negative. Like it or not, airline fares are competitive enough that both the airlines themselves and the passengers would find other routes.
But it’s a great idea for climate change mitigation, for instance.
Comment by Odysseus Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:01 am
=== Get a commitment from local disitricts that they will in fact reduce the property tax ===
A commitment from 7,000 units of government? We need more reform than just a pinky-promise.
Comment by Just Observing Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:03 am
Wonder how one ranks states on a local tax and how accurate the ranking might be
Comment by Annonin' Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:04 am
==Use increased revenue to support the things the local districts had to pay for==
That money has already been spent…multiple times.
Comment by City Zen Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:05 am
@CityZen: My cell phone service is pre-paid, “including all taxes and fees.” But, yes, that cell phone tax is high. My list is not all-inclusive, but more of “what affects me on a daily basis.” I didn’t include car registration fee, for example.
@OswegoWilly: The income tax currently in IL is not high enough to sustain the promises that have been made. If realistic, the income tax rate would need to be 10%+ to just get us to tread water. The thing is that the unfunded liabilities ($250+ billion, including retiree healthcare) are so staggering, that only an extremely draconian income tax hike will fix that….over a 30 year period.
I came back for a young lady (who I didn’t marry); it had nothing to do for a job or the sorts.
My concern is that I have young children and I do not see a future for them in this state. If the property taxes were less, then potentially. But in the 5 years I’ve owned a house, the property taxes have shot up $2,000+….how is that sustainable (hint: it isn’t).
Comment by Romeo Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:05 am
==Most states exempt food and drugs from their sales tax, but that’s not the case in Illinois.== True as far as it goes, but worth noting that food and drugs are taxed at 1% rather than 6.25%.
==The collar counties have the highest property taxes anywhere in the state.== I live in Sangamon County and I’d trade property tax rates with you in a second.
Comment by SAP Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:07 am
See Illinois Population trends
Comment by Donnie Elgin Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:08 am
@Just Observing: “Can someone please explain how some states are operating without income taxes and lower property and sales taxes?”
They tax other things.
https://www.latticepublishing.com/blog/the-biggest-source-of-tax-revenue-in-every-state
Some states rely on income taxes as their primary method for taxing its residents, while other states impose larger sales or property taxes. U.S. Census data shows that Oregon, for example, collects just 13.4 percent of its revenues from sales and gross receipts tax, while the same tax accounts for 87.4 percent of Texas’ state collections. North Dakota extensively taxes natural resource extraction via its severance tax, accounting for nearly 44 percent of the $3.5 billion in taxes the state collected in 2017. New York, on the other hand, collected a full 61 percent of its $79.7 billion in taxes from income tax alone.
Comment by Odysseus Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:10 am
Fair share to the common good?
The jury is out on the 45 billion dollar transportation is the “common good” or just goodies to politically connected interest groups.
We are already the highest taxed state in America and tone deaf Democrats like JB Pritzker, Mike Madigan, John Cullerton, Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinle would like the burden to go even higher
Comment by Lucky Pierre Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:15 am
SAP, some of the South suburbs RE taxes are outrageous. Sangamon County taxes are not good but they pale in comparison to the South suburbs.
The overall, let me emphasize OVERALL, tax burden in Illinois is crazy
Comment by Pick a Name Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:20 am
And yet the state leaders want more taxes as in the graduated income tax- and I see no real interest in using that for meaningful and long term property taxes.
Comment by OpentoDiscussion Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:24 am
===more taxes as in the graduated income tax===
Only 3% will see an increase.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:27 am
Froganon - wasn’t aware Illinois coal was being exported. Or oil. Thought it was consumed within Illinois.
Comment by Anyone Remember Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:29 am
Florida may be great for retirees who already have health insurance and retirement income, especially those from higher-income states. But how great is it for the hundreds of thousands (if not a million or more) who don’t have health insurance and get sick? In life generally we don’t get something for nothing. Move to a lower-tax state and possibly make less money or don’t have health insurance options. And with devastating hurricanes/flooding, that’s another negative for Florida and other states.
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:41 am
@ Odysseus - Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:01 am:
I don’t support Anon Remember @ 10:15 proposal to charge a $10.00 fee at O’hare for the reasons you gave. I propose a tax on every ton/barrel of coal/oil that comes from or crosses into Illinois. That would raise significant money and help address climate change. It could fund retraining and local services and/or be rebated to all residents as promoted by the Citizens Climate Lobby. We would grow our economy by putting more money into the pockets of taxpayers and investing in infrastructure, education and social services. See citizensclimatelobby.org for details.
Comment by Froganon Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:42 am
Taxes are only one aspect of a budget. Illinois’ median income is far above all of our direct neighbors…$3K above the closest (Wisconsin) and nearly $10K above Missouri, the lowest. That pays for a lot of property taxes.
Comment by Jibba Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:52 am
Illinois foes nothing to reduce the tax burden at the local level. The new transgender LGBTQ education bill is requiring all public schools to replace all of their learning materials to promote gender neutrality- God only knows the costs associated with this new unnecessary mandate. Social feel good BS has a huge cost all of which impacts our rep estate taxes
Comment by Sue Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:54 am
I’m not sure its a contest I want to win, but I live in a house worth less than $400,000 and my taxes are higher than $9,634. That does not include any special assessments or SSA taxes, just good ol’ sky high property taxes.
Comment by Tommydanger Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:55 am
===The income tax currently in IL is not high enough to sustain the promises that have been made. If realistic, the income tax rate would need to be 10%+ to just get us to tread water. The thing is that the unfunded liabilities ($250+ billion, including retiree healthcare) are so staggering, that only an extremely draconian income tax hike will fix that….over a 30 year period.===
Explain how the Edgar Ramp comes into play in paying the pension debt, and at what point the payment decreases after a steep climb.
===I came back for a young lady (who I didn’t marry); it had nothing to do for a job or the sorts.===
Found a job, place to live… hmm.
===My concern is that I have young children and I do not see a future for them in this state.===
“The children”
Odds are they’ll go out of state for college?
Wouldn’t you leave with them too, so your concern seems… wasted?
===But in the 5 years I’ve owned a house, the property taxes have shot up $2,000+….how is that sustainable===
Economic choices, like leaving Illinois are there. Why wallow?
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:59 am
“The Southwest coast of Florida is a haven for Illinois residents and ex-residents. It will grow even more in the upcoming years.”
If you like living indoors9 months of the year because it’s 95 degrees with 90% humidity. Lots of snakes and mosquitoes too. Don’t forget to check the global warming map to see how many years your property will be above water… literally. Tropical Paradise!
Comment by James Knell Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 12:19 pm
Already number one and we still have to resolve the pension problem. We can have some extra separation from number two. It just gets worse.
Comment by Rural Survivor Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 12:21 pm
===If you like living indoors 9 months of the year===
Meh. It’s nice there about half the year. The other half, not so much. Kinda like here, only reversed.
Comment by Rich Miller Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 12:37 pm
Here is the great thing. Democratic governor. Super majority in both legislative bodies. Just do it. Reformulate the way we fund schools. You governor, now officially own the fact that we are number 1.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 1:06 pm
It’s always nice to be number 1, but we always knew we were pretty close, didn’t we? The least friendly tax state sure has a nice ring to it though.
For all those taxes we sure do get a lot, don’t we? I mean all the personalized service we receive, it really is a bargain. And after the new progressive tax gets enacted, it only gets better. We’ll almost have enough to cover the existing structural budget deficit. Not quite enough, but hey, it’s getting close.
I almost feel guilty, what with my low taxes. But us retired folk sure have it good in the great State of Denial. The brave Governor and legislature demonstrate great courage in pursuing the evil 3%. But do they have the same courage when it comes to the many retirees, who would throw them out of office the minute they talk taxing retirement income? Me thinks not, though that would definitely put the state on the right track.
I wouldn’t mind paying a little more actually, but I don’t trust they way they’d use the money. Where to live? Such decisions.
Comment by SSL Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 1:07 pm
==Where to live? Such decisions.===
The point is that a place to live is not based on tax rate alone, whatever Kiplinger hints. It is based on having a job, quality of life, etc. If you have a better job and financial situation here, staying is an easy decision.
If we can keep paying the ramp and maintain at least our current social services (or improve), we might see the light at the end of the tunnel in a decade or so. There is no other path.
==You governor, now officially own the fact that we are number 1.===
Not going to change for 20 years.
Comment by Jibba Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 1:23 pm
Explain how the Edgar Ramp comes into play in paying the pension debt, and at what point the payment decreases after a steep climb.
I moved here as a high-schooler in 2004. I am 30 now. Yes, the ramp will eventually work. That is on a variety of assumptions (i.e. the market returns what is projected, the state doesn’t skip payments, there is no recession, etc). So yes…Tier I will eventually work out, over the next 30 years and with the pensioners eventually stopping to collect a pension (i.e. dying off). What will happen during the time of the payments to the pension going up is that the pension payments will literally crowd out the other services, level off, and then go down. It a drastic increase of cash infusion, leveling off, and then smaller decreases.
Here is the COGFA report that just shows how badly the state is financially: http://cgfa.ilga.gov/Upload/FinConditionILStateRetirementSysApril2019.pdf.
==”The children”
Yes, I have a two year old and one due to be born at the end of January. My concern is that the government will continue to take, take, take.It is a never ending cycle of more, more, more–and taxpayers are just supposed to
Odds are they’ll go out of state for college?
We will not live in Illinois when my children are ready to go to college. I am actively seeking to leave this state. You don’t know me, my personal situation, or my finances. But every month, $567 goes to the county to pay for the reckless spending, overpromising of benefits, and cowardice of previous and current politicians to address the pension issue. This. Is. Not. Sustainable.
It is laughable when people defend this state’s poor fiscal management and lack of planning. I can afford to leave this trainwreck, due to a good job, an education, savings, etc. Not the same can be said for those that are stuck here due to family, lack of education/jobs.
Comment by Romeo Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 1:33 pm
Great response Romeo.
And Southwest Florida is great from October-May. Would you rather deal with heat/humidity for a few months or snow, wind, ice for 4 months. And the heat & humidity can be pretty intense in good ‘ol Illinois.
Comment by Pick a Name Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 1:41 pm
===You don’t know me===
Nope.
You asked me to think as you are for your children.
===This. Is. Not. Sustainable.===
You discuss the county now, the state is the one ranked #1 and you ably described…
===Yes, the ramp will eventually work.===
It’s not great in Illinois with this ramp, but it is a “plan” it allegedly will work if followed, and Illinois, as a state, needs to do better.
===It is laughable when people defend this state’s poor fiscal management and lack of planning.===
Reading above, no one is defending… anything.
It’s trying to recognize truth from hyperbole. If the truth differs, than the straw man is “you’re defending”.
No. Hyperbole isn’t fact based.
===We will not live in Illinois when my children are ready to go to college. I am actively seeking to leave this state.===
No snark, I wish you and yours well.
There are neither… easy solutions.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 1:44 pm
Romeo,
The link you posted is broken. 404 error.
Comment by SpfdNewb Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 1:58 pm
==Where to live?==
Tennesseein’ is Tennebelievin’
Comment by City Zen Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 2:26 pm
==What will happen during the time of the payments to the pension going up===
A better question is what is your plan, if you don’t like this one. Our current situation is reality and it has to be dealt with, whether you stay or not.
The survival plan is to get progressive taxation, pay the ramp, and try to maintain a minimum standard of living that keeps our economy strong. In 10-20 years, global warming, water shortages, and progress on the ramp might make Illinois the place to be. Got a different plan for those of us staying? Sounds like no.
Comment by JIbba Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 2:43 pm
Great response by Think Big Illinois. Looking forward to when the campaign ramps up next year.
Federal debt and deficit are growing, with the deficit now exceeding $1 trillion. No matter where people move, they can’t escape that. Many who rip Illinois for finances voted for Rauner, who was the worst governor and bankrupted nursing homes, and for Trump, a multiple bankrupter.
Comment by Grandson of Man Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 3:04 pm
==Sangamon County taxes are not good but they pale in comparison to the South suburbs.== I’ll take your word for it. I was comparing Sangamon to DuPage
Comment by SAP Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 3:25 pm
Did Quentin even read the Kiplinger study?
“A hypothetical married couple with a combined earned income of $150,000…”
Under JB’s plan, this couple will not see any tax relief that would result in Illinois ranking at the bottom. Not having a married bracket for this couple won’t help either.
Diatribes about others paying their perceived fair share - while doing nothing about the share everyone else is already paying - will not make Illinois more tax-friendly. It certainly won’t in this example.
Comment by City Zen Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 3:26 pm
===Under JB’s plan, this couple will not see any tax relief that would result in Illinois ranking at the bottom.===
They won’t see an increase either, as only 3% will see an increase.
You’re welcome.
Comment by Oswego Willy Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 3:28 pm
==will not make Illinois more tax-friendly===
That ship has sailed for the next decade or two. People continuing to complain about it are yelling at clouds.
Comment by Jibba Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 3:39 pm
===Not having a married bracket for this couple won’t help either.===
File separately
Comment by njt Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 3:43 pm
==They won’t see an increase either==
Glad you agree that, under JB’s plan, Illinois will remain the least tax-friendly state.
==File separately==
Read the fine print.
Comment by City Zen Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 3:57 pm
Think Big’s statement address the fact that Illinois has the highest taxes in the country. All it will do is make our tax levels even higher than everyone else’s.
Comment by Dybalaton Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 4:08 pm
It sounds like a guarantee from Think Big Tax that if the progressive tax passes we will see immediate property tax reductions to match. Would like to see JB put that in writing. If so, i am all in.
Comment by Blue Dog Dem Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 4:55 pm
==Think Big Tax==
Catchy.
Comment by City Zen Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 9:14 pm
Froganon - How much oil do you think Illinois produces in a year? According to the EIA, Texas produced 1.6 Billion barrels last year. Illinois produced 8.4 Million. Texas takes about 2 days to produce what Illinois does in a year. We ain’t Texas, Oklahoma, California or Alaska. We’re middle of the pack at best and there is a huge gap between the haves and have nots. With the Fracking Act, the legislature basically said they don’t want any big time production. Crude oil isn’t going to save the state without loosening the current standards and that isn’t happening anytime soon.
Comment by NoMoreMC Thursday, Oct 3, 19 @ 11:07 pm