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*** UPDATE *** Rep. Connie Howard (D-Chicago) said she favors a doubling of the state income tax from 3 to 6 percent…
[ *** End of Update *** ]
* A retroactive tax on PSLs? Appears so…
The city always planned to levy amusement taxes on Chicago Bears season ticket licenses, a city Department of Revenue spokesman said Thursday.
Ed Walsh also said a 7 percent amusement tax was paid by the Bears on the initial sales of the permanent seat licenses between late 2002 and early 2003. The amusement tax was raised to 9 percent this year.
“The amusement tax is applicable when a license is sold,” Walsh said. “The tax burden is on the purchaser. This includes initial sales and re-sales, as any amount paid for the right to witness a game is subject to the tax.”
His statements, made via e-mail after business hours, came a day after the cash-strapped city informed some PSL owners they might have to pay the amusement tax. In some cases, the taxes would be levied on 5-year-old sales
Controversial? You bet. Super. And this is coming at exactly the wrong time for the General Assembly, which may consider an income tax increase in the coming days. Thanks, Daley. Heckuva job.
* Here’s my Sun-Times column which talks about the difficulties of passing an income tax hike, among other things. If I’d known about the PSL tax, I would’ve include it in the piece…
Toward the scheduled end of the state legislative session every May, I’m usually chronically tired, sick, cranky and hungover.
In other words, I pretty much embody Illinois right now.
I shouldn’t joke like that. Things have never been worse here. People are losing their jobs, homes and businesses in depressing droves. The economic bust has taken a huge toll on the state government’s budget, which was already out of whack even before the economic meltdown because of mismanagement and destructive political games and abject cowardice — and is now in deficit beyond anything that anyone has ever seen.
And then, of course, there’s the not-fun fact that our previous governor was removed from office and appears headed for prison, perhaps to join his own predecessor in Indiana’s federal pen.
At a time when our leaders desperately need to pull the public together behind bold solutions, the public is so cynical and angry about the recent and not-so-recent past that they refuse to be led.
It’s not hard to blame them.
One of the “hottest” debates this past week was over whether the budget should be passed before legislators finished work on a massive public works bill. Gov. Quinn and a group of liberal House members angrily lined up in favor of finishing the budget first, while the legislative leaders and the Illinois Senate decided the other way was better. Never mind that, with just nine days left in the session, all of these bills will likely be passed within hours of each other.
There’s a reason why some folks refer to the Statehouse as an adult day-care center.
Then again, those who argue that the budget should take priority did ask one good question: If Republicans and Democrats in the Senate could overwhelmingly agree to fund the public works bill by expanding gambling via legalized video poker, raising taxes on alcohol, candy and beauty products and increasing fees on driver’s license services, then why has it been so difficult to raise the income tax by a single percentage point or so to make sure schools don’t close, poor people keep their health insurance, state cops stay on the job, prisoners aren’t released early and on and on and on?
The answer is that the public generally has faith in things they can see with their own eyes, like a new bridge or a rebuilt school. People just don’t believe that the budget deficit is as bad as it is, partly because they can see that the schools, hospitals, nursing homes and prisons are still open and functioning. The public works bill allows legislators to give voters something tangible for their money. Raising taxes to balance the budget just means that government continues to function in its “natural,” mostly unnoticed state.
I used to wonder how states allowed thousands of schools, hospitals and police stations to close during the Great Depression. I’m getting quite an education on that topic now. Only, in Illinois’ case, it’s even worse, because Rod Blagojevich’s and George Ryan’s corruption has exponentially deepened the loss of faith in the government.
Legislators are worried sick that if they vote to raise taxes to balance the budget they’ll get the same treatment as the hapless Cook County Board President Todd Stroger.
Understandably, nobody wants to be roasted alive. But their job sometimes requires them to do what’s right, not what’s easy or popular. And sometimes that means doing things that nobody appreciates, like making sure the government doesn’t collapse, even though a furious public doesn’t believe a collapse is imminent.
And if they get tarred and feathered, well, that’s just the price they pay for getting themselves elected at the worst possible moment in history. No sympathy here.
* Related…
* Taxpayer group chief disputes Quinn’s claim of crisis: “We don’t need state troopers at all. We have too many cops,” [Jim Tobin] said. “We have local, state and federal cops. That’s three layers of police. We have over 2,000 state police. It’s a waste of money. We could save a least $400 million a year.”
* Bears season ticket-holders are furious.
* Ald. Fioretti: Reduce or nix Chicago’s gas tax : The six-month break that Fioretti suggested at minimum would cost $27 million at a time when the city can least afford it.
* Is public transit getting shortchanged in capital bill?
* RTA allocated $2.7 billion in state capital
* Video poker, alcohol taxes sent to governor’s desk
* Capital plan passes both chambers
* State lawmakers send $28.3 billion construction plan to governor
* $29 billion capital plan sent to Quinn
* Ill. infrastructure plan goes to governor
* Illinois House approves tax increases and video poker to pay for $29 billion in construction
* House OKs construction bill, but tax hike in limbo
* Gaming Board chief: Video poker plan risky
* How it works
* Village gets say on slots, track fears being shut out
* Will video poker machines help or hurt? Depends on whom you ask
* Gaming Board chairman frets about enforcement
* Would the capital plan bring gambling to every corner?
* SJR Opinion: Video poker plan a loser all around
* Local governments can opt out of newly approved video gambling
* How your lawmakers voted
* Did Your State Rep. Vote for Neighborhood Tavern Slots?
* Ill. House Votes 86-30 To Legalize Video Gambling
* Once every decade …
* Capital plan would be local ‘blessing’
* Schools clamoring for capital bill
* $26B construction program contains $54M for fine-arts complex at ISU
* Stimulus Dollars Assigned to the South Suburbs
* It may be time to stock up on liquor, candy before taxes go up
posted by Rich Miller
Friday, May 22, 09 @ 10:06 am
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Candy is dandy, but liquor is quicker - and both will cost you more in IL.
The “pent up demand” for a capital bill, and the frustration of dealing with Rod finally off their shoulders, probably led as much momentum to the GA bill signing as anything. I watched those “liberal” house members bleat on about the timing of the capital bills - then I noticed that they all voted in lock-step for HB 312 and HB 2400, and most of them voting in favor of HB 255 (the funding portion). Many of the “no” votes on 255 were from anti-gambling conservatives, but I noticed none of them voted against the projects themselves that were contained in 312.
Comment by Six Degrees of Separation Friday, May 22, 09 @ 10:15 am
A retroactive tax? Is this America or soem third world dictatorship run by some Potentate?
Good move on the gambling. Let people chose what to do with their money. No difference in concept than Bingo or the lotto
Comment by Wumpus Friday, May 22, 09 @ 10:19 am
== Thanks, Daley. Heckuva job. ==
Why does Springfield get an automatic pass to raise taxes, but Chicago and Cook County don’t? They have budget holes to fill as well.
Blasting tax increases without annotating specifically what you’d cut is irresponsible.
Comment by Leroy Friday, May 22, 09 @ 10:20 am
Perhaps it is the unreserved glee at which they expand gambling and sin taxes to fund a capitol bill in which they will have a say in doling out billions while the state can’t pay our bills that makes the electorate suspect.
Perhaps Quinn can use his signing leverage to get the lawmakers to fund the operating budget before funding the contractors that contribute to the legislators campaigns.
I would guess, perhaps not.
Comment by Phineas J. Whoopee Friday, May 22, 09 @ 10:21 am
I’ve really had it with Jim Tobin.
Comment by Niles Township Friday, May 22, 09 @ 10:21 am
We’re blessed to live in interesting times. Somehow, we’ll mudlle through.
It might be easier, of course, if some of my fellow J-School grads would exercise some of the skills of their craft. Why should a guy like Jim Tobin be considered a credible viewpoint in a serious public debate? He disqualifies himself 30 seconds into any interview.
Comment by wordslinger Friday, May 22, 09 @ 10:25 am
“Why does Springfield get an automatic pass to raise taxes, but Chicago and Cook County don’t? They have budget holes to fill as well.
“
I think Chicago doesn’t get a pass because they have $600 million a year being dolled out to TIF districts. Any budget pain they have they brought on themselves. Their main source of funds - a property tax - is remarkably consistent, and with housing prices going up should have produced a windfall. But all that new revenue is stuck in TIF districts.
For the County - it is simply perspective and bad decisions. Nobody on the street could tell you what the County does. For them or anyone else. They know what the city does, and have some idea of what the state does (education, etc.), but maybe could mention that the County is in charge of the forest preserve. My Property Tax statement from above applies here as well.
Trust me, if the state was distributing 1/3 of its budget every year to TIF districts, we wouldn’t be having a conversation about tax increases.
Comment by George Friday, May 22, 09 @ 10:29 am
Jim Tobin = Larry Msall in a tinfoil hat
Comment by A Naughty Moose Friday, May 22, 09 @ 10:31 am
BTW, based on Jim Tobin’s interview, anyone who gives him another inch of coverage should be fired.
How hilariously stupid is that guy? Or is he intentionally being misleading? I mean, I thought he was joking for half the article.
“Most” of our taxes go to pension benefits? what?
The budget can be balanced with a 2% cut? what?
Someone should check on that guy to see if he is doing OK.
Comment by George Friday, May 22, 09 @ 10:32 am
I have Jim Tobin types all around me. Their brains have been fried on Rush Limbaugh and they can’t accept any reality other than their doofus and baseless slogans. They are why I am disillusioned with the Republican party in Illinois.
Comment by Skirmisher Friday, May 22, 09 @ 10:36 am
== For the County - it is simply perspective and bad decisions.==
Are you holding Cook County to a higher standard than Springfield? Or has Springfield not made any bad decisions?
== No one on the street can tell you what the country does ==
Your comment stings.
I suggest leaving the north shore and traveling to less affluent areas where the people rely on county services in order to get by.
Comment by Leroy Friday, May 22, 09 @ 10:41 am
Leroy and others. I was talking about the timing of the tax. They can tax whatever they want, but this was a stupid move.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 22, 09 @ 10:43 am
“I suggest leaving the north shore and traveling to less affluent areas where the people rely on county services in order to get by.”
Funny, Leroy. Especially since I am in Bronzeville. Where are you?
Comment by George Friday, May 22, 09 @ 10:54 am
And my comment holds - nobody knows what the county does. People may identify Stroger Hospital as the county. But not the local clinics.
Its not your streets, garbage, police, etc. like the City - things that are very visible.
Comment by George Friday, May 22, 09 @ 10:57 am
George - I worked my way out of Harvey. Many people are still there that rely on county services, especially health services.
Rich - why was the timing stupid? Too many taxes at once? Do the law makers need to sneak them in under the radar or something?
If it costs $x to live in Illinois, charge people $x to live in Illinois. That is why we are in this mess, because the government insists on charging $x-c to live in Illinois.
Comment by Leroy Friday, May 22, 09 @ 11:05 am
Ouch, Leroy got served.
Comment by Hmm Friday, May 22, 09 @ 11:06 am
The leaders within the General Assembly just are not getting it. Citizens don’t have to be bought off in order to get re-elected. Just because our legislators are motivated by money and pork, doesn’t mean voters are. Have they been in office so long, they forgot common sense or have lost touch with normal people?
Voters will not follow a General Assembly who has performed so poorly. After watching two governors, one from each party, head to the pokey, Illinoians thought they would be seeing some changes under the Dome. In 2002, they voted for reform promised them by Rod Blagojevich. For seven years, Illinoians have patiently waited for Springfield and Chicago to reform itself. Look what we’ve gotten instead?
The hole they discovered themselves in, grew deeper every year they did nothing. Illinoians watched as they ducked every possible improvement, even as the Blagojevich Administration was becoming Public Enemy Number One. How could they wonder why we disgust them so?
Passing a tax increase is difficult enough without having a decade-long history of corruption and arrogance impeding any movement. If the General Assembly was a restaurant, it would have been forced to close by either the Health Board, the Sanitation Department, Orkin, the local newspapers, or by the fleeing of customers. For them to now claim they are serving the very best grub in town, falls on deaf ears. What has the General Assembly done to demonstrate to taxpayers that they are serious leaders?
So now they are doing what they understand. Like plaid-suited, loud-tie wearing junk car salesmen, our legislators are promising tax breaks for voter support. They wrap themselves in human shields like kidnappers and warn over-taxed Illinoians that it is either the kids, or their wallets. Rod Blagojevich would announce a crisis every week in order to hook up with special interest campaign cash, at Illinoians’ tax expense. What has the GA done to demonstrate a change from this way of doing business?
Illinois state government isn’t just fiscally bankrupt. It is fiscally bankrupted and also politically bankrupted. Both parties have been exposed as organizations disinterested in providing experienced leadership that listens to voters, and cares how much money they spend. Both parties have been exposed as being unable to nominate honest men to lead Illinois. When state governments are hit by economic miasma, they need leaders who are not tainted to offer difficult choices to citizens. When a state like Illinois faces both fiscal and political bankrupsy, it is understandable when voters rebel.
We don’t need to be bribed, ladies and gentlemen of the General Assembly. We need to see you do your jobs by reforming how your do business and pass ethical reforms to reign in the leaders you stupidly choose to lead this state. Like a cheating spouse, we won’t give you a dime until you show us you are no longer seeing your mistresses.
Comment by VanillaMan Friday, May 22, 09 @ 11:14 am
I suppose it is just barely possible that the legislature will enact reforms that will make it less likely that any monies from an income tax increase will be misspent. But I think it is reasonable for us to be skeptical. And make no mistake–we are talking tens of billions of extra cash for our ethically challenged pols to play with down over the next few decades. And why on earth would we think, given our history, that they would spend it well, or even that a lot of it won’t fall off the truck and into the mouths of contractors and “campaign contributors.” No reason at all.
And how sad it is that this regressive tax, if it passes, will fall most heavily on lower middle class workers who are barely able to keep up.
The rich (including many legislators and their cronies) will shrug it off. Besides, legislators can always give themselves another raise soon to make up the difference.
And even though California politicians are attempting as we speak to obtain federal loan guarantees to see them through their fiscal crisis, we have heard of no such efforts on the
part of the Illinois Democrats who run the state.
Sure, it’s a long shot but not even the hint of an effort. In the Dems’ arrogance and greed, they’d rather pluck average working folks. We are rather sheeplike after all.
This sheep won’t be voting for any politician who votes for more than a 1 percent, temporary income tax increase which lasts 2 years and cannot be renewed under any circumstances.
Comment by Cassandra Friday, May 22, 09 @ 11:43 am
===cannot be renewed under any circumstances===
In a democracy, there is no way to write a statute like that.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 22, 09 @ 11:47 am
Well, of course they’d try to extend it. But I’m thinking that it could be written in such a way
that it would take more than a routine vote to extend it. Maybe automatic sunset and new legislation. Otherwise, I’m convinced the leadership would try to sneak it through without any debate.
Comment by Cassandra Friday, May 22, 09 @ 11:56 am
Jim Tobin is ridiculous. And no I am not a tax-eater. His attack style diminishes his message. Actually, sometimes his message is a perspective that needs to be heard. But people respond to him in such a negative way that his message is lost.
Comment by Mongo Friday, May 22, 09 @ 12:03 pm
What’s even more ridiculous is that the paper put that quote at the very end of the piece instead of at the beginning where it belonged.
Comment by Rich Miller Friday, May 22, 09 @ 12:04 pm
Well, at least Jim Tobin can be confident no one is going to confuse him with Pat Quinn ever again
Comment by Secret Square Friday, May 22, 09 @ 12:27 pm
Cassie, how is asking the federal government to dig itself a deeper hole in order to fill our deep budget hole going to solve anything in the long run? Is it really fiscally responsible to just pass the buck to the feds?
Comment by Secret Square Friday, May 22, 09 @ 12:34 pm
SS,
That train already left. Won’t we have spent about a trillion when the bailouts of various financial, car, insurance and other industries are completed.
With those kinds of numbers, say, $100 billion to bail out the states, maintain basic services and prevent regressive tax increases that hurt the middle class as much if not more than the so-called poor–it’s chump change.
Comment by Cassandra Friday, May 22, 09 @ 12:44 pm
excellant point sir. Chicago wouldnt have any budget shortfall if Daley wasnt skimming all the property tax money into TIF funds to pay his developer friends.I think Chicago doesn’t get a pass because they have $600 million a year being dolled out to TIF districts. Any budget pain they have they brought on themselves. Their main source of funds - a property tax - is remarkably consistent, and with housing prices going up should have produced a windfall. But all that new revenue is stuck in TIF districts.
For the County - it is simply perspective and bad decisions. Nobody on the street could tell you what the County does. For them or anyone else. They know what the city does, and have some idea of what the state does (education, etc.), but maybe could mention that the County is in charge of the forest preserve. My Property Tax statement from above applies here as well.
Trust me, if the state was distributing 1/3 of its budget every year to TIF districts, we wouldn’t be having a conversation about tax increases.
Comment by fed uo Friday, May 22, 09 @ 1:29 pm
sorry i didnt credit george for the above excellant point.
Comment by fed uo Friday, May 22, 09 @ 1:30 pm
They need to legalize prositution and then tax it. Like video poker, its already going on ayway, so lets legalize it and use it to raise revenue.
Comment by Ghost Friday, May 22, 09 @ 3:20 pm
When your Constituency is on the receiving end of tax dollars (for the most part), doubling the income tax probably sounds like you are being conservative.
Comment by You Go Boy Friday, May 22, 09 @ 3:28 pm
The capital bill’s bias against transit is an outrage. It always used to be 2-1 roads-to-transit in this state. Now the roads component gets doubled. So much for the meme that Democrats favor transit.
As for that six percent income tax suggestion, perhaps this is what they should have done first, and then make everybody heave a huge sigh of relief when they “fall back” to 4.5 percent.
Comment by Angry Chicagoan Friday, May 22, 09 @ 7:01 pm
Another thing to keep in mind as a two-tiered pension system is contemplated for the “state funded” (more like state-indebted) pension systems is the absolute absence of discussion of pension benefit reform for the large handful of Chicago City and Crook County pension funds. Not a perk has been touched at these funds, collectively underfunded by an amount approaching $20 billion.
Unlike the State funds, investment performance at some funds has been alomst embarrassingly poor, perhaps aided by investments like the $67 million given to Allison Davis and Daley’s nephew by four of them for “Olympics-linked emerging urban real estate developments.”
That little sleaze deal helped finally get the City and County funds in the “pension ethics” bill.
Rep. Howard, please don’t advocate for any more tax increases until you go back home and clean the cesspool.
Comment by Arthur Andersen Friday, May 22, 09 @ 10:34 pm