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*** UPDATED x1 *** Pritzker hit again on taxes

Posted in:

* RGA..

Last week, Illinois Democrat gubernatorial candidate and heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune J.B. Pritzker admitted that if elected governor, he would immediately move to hike taxes on Illinois families even further.

The News-Gazette editorial board reports, “Pritzker said, as soon as he takes office, he’ll urge the Democratic legislature to approve an immediate increase in the state’s current 4.95 flat income-tax rate.”

The Journal Standard also notes that raising taxes is the “main thing” Pritzker wants to do if elected.

Pritzker refuses to pay his own fair share in taxes, but will hike taxes on every single family in Illinois. Pritzker has reportedly used offshore shell companies in the Bahamas to dodge his own tax burden, and claims that his Gold Coast mansion is “uninhabitable” in order to allegedly receive huge property tax breaks.

Illinois can’t afford J.B. Pritzker’s tax hikes.

* From the rest of that News-Gazette editorial

At the same time he’s proposing an income-tax increase, Pritzker said, he’ll urge legislators to increase exemptions and deductions to ensure that lower- and middle-income taxpayers would not pay more.

“… You could have what I would describe as … an artificial progressive income tax in which we would raise the exemptions for those striving to get to the middle class, those in the middle class too, and raise the overall rate and raise the earned income tax credit at the same time — all of which would create a kind of artificial graduated income tax in the state,” he said.

* And this is from Chuck Sweeny’s column

The main thing Pritzker wants to do is raise taxes.

Pritzker wants to convert Illinois’ flat 4.95 percent income tax to a “progressive” income tax, which would have several rates.

Pritzker says he only wants to raise taxes on wealthy people and that most people would actually see a tax reduction under his plan.

So, what are the rates? And who would be labeled as wealthy? Pritzker wouldn’t tell us during the Democratic primary campaign. And he won’t tell us now.

Whatever the spin or misrepresentation from the RGA, voters don’t do nuance. Pritzker’s entire tax idea is nuanced.

*** UPDATE *** I forgot to post this press release…

Americans for Prosperity-Illinois (AFP-IL) on Monday launched a new digital ad and website calling on lawmakers to oppose scrapping Illinois’ constitutionally protected flat income tax for a graduated one. AFP-IL, the state’s leading free-market organization, has been at the forefront of fighting this anti-taxpayer agenda that would force a costly graduated income tax on taxpayers.

WATCH VIDEO:

Americans for Prosperity-Illinois State Director Andrew Nelms issued the following statement:
“If lawmakers scrap our constitutionally-protected flat income tax in exchange for a graduated income tax, they will have free rein to raise our taxes. The last thing Illinoisans need right now is a graduated income tax that will inevitably lead to higher taxes. Springfield has proven incapable of spending tax dollars wisely, so giving them a blank check is outrageous. Families throughout the state are scrambling for the exit, and amending the Constitution to allow for higher taxes will only make matters worse. We urge the legislature to ‘Keep Illinois Flat’ and reject the graduated income tax.”

The video highlights how scrapping the flat tax would give lawmakers more latitude to increases taxes on Illinoisans. The video urges Illinoisans to visit KeepIllinoisFlat.com to contact their lawmaker and tell them to oppose the graduated income tax.

SCRIPT:

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 9:44 am

Comments

  1. Never support anything, when you do not know the details. Chances are it will cost you.

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 9:57 am

  2. It’s not like there is one right answer, one set of brackets and rates that it has to be. I agree he should put his marker down, lay out a plan, but everyone would (should) know that’d be a pretty fluid design, even after he laid it out.

    Comment by Perrid Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 9:57 am

  3. This is changing no ones minds. The people that already support Rauner or Pritzker aren’t changing there minds over this none issue. Pritzker supporters already favor a progressive tax so none of this is changing opinions.

    Comment by Real Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 10:00 am

  4. The Simon Poll last month had 72% supporting a graduated income tax (no rates mentioned) and 76% supporting a millionaire’s surtax.

    Illinois is in the United States, so all 1040 filers are familiar with the concept of a graduated income tax.

    https://capitolfax.com/2018/03/09/poll-76-percent-support-a-3-percent-surtax-on-millionaires/

    Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 10:02 am

  5. The positive side is how many of y’all are about to find out how rich you are. Who knew?

    Comment by A guy Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 10:04 am

  6. Pretty easy to raise State income tax rates when you don’t pay any.

    Comment by DuPage Moderate Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 10:11 am

  7. I wouldn’t rely upon the Koch brothers (the financial resource behind AFP) for thoughtful tax policy any more than I would rely upon Comrade Putin for advice upon achieving a lasting democracy.

    Comment by former southerner Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 10:18 am

  8. Worse than the service tax Rauner ran on 4 years ago? A tax on services is truly regressive.

    IF the income tax rate could actually be cut on lower income people that could be a winner. Problem is convincing people it won’t be increased later. In theory the constitution could be amended to prevent.

    Comment by Chris P. Bacon Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 10:19 am

  9. Why won’t JB tell us the brackets? I’m sure all of the sudden Illinois will be filled with “rich” people. Of course JB still will hardly pay anything.

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 10:23 am

  10. wordslinger - “to allow a graduated income tax, with higher rates for higher earners and lower rates for lower earners.” - it is in the wording that sells it, but if you actually come out with the honest rates where most middle class people will see a tax rate increase I guarantee you those number will change drastically.

    Comment by Stand Tall Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 10:25 am

  11. –but if you actually come out with the honest rates where most middle class people will see a tax rate increase I guarantee you those number will change drastically.–

    “If” is powerful word. Why would any political candidate do what you’re describing?

    Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 10:29 am

  12. Why not a service tax like most fiscally conservative states?
    Oh I forgot - we’re afraid the rich folks will pull thier yachts out of the IL harbors to have them cleaned in one of the few states that doesn’t tax yacht cleaning.

    Comment by Deadbeat Conservative - only blocked one of one so far today Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 10:29 am

  13. It’s possible that JB hasn’t released details because he hasn’t found the magic beans that make it possible to do all he promises. We still have a big pension bogey, but why muddy the waters with that small $150B problem. JB’s free healthcare promise won’t cost anything, will it?

    Will Illinois tax payers be happy to pay even more, especially when they won’t be able to deduct a big chunk of it on their federal return?

    Talk to me about how everyone supports higher taxes once we know how many will be paying them.

    Comment by SSL Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 10:35 am

  14. Rauner to taxpayers: don’t make me sell my three houses in illinois and move to one of my other five houses.

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 10:45 am

  15. Me to JB, please tell me the rates you propose I pay.

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 10:50 am

  16. We’ll have to elect him to find out what’s in JB’s tax package.

    That sounds eerily similar to Pelosi’s pronouncement on Obamacare.

    Comment by Downstate Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 10:51 am

  17. Illinois has the 5th highest state and local tax burden right now. How high does JB want it to be?

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 10:52 am

  18. Why isn’t JB proposing to eliminate pension protection while amending the state constitution?

    That’s where all the money goes.

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 10:56 am

  19. Huff and puff antiprogrssives all you want, but wordslinger nailed it. 72% want it. That means 72% will vote against antiprogressive candidates.

    Comment by wondering Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:01 am

  20. Sure they do, until JB tells us the tax brackets and the vast majority of tax payers get to pay more.

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:04 am

  21. Has JB identified any spending cuts?

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:05 am

  22. 72% of Illinois voters want someone else to pay more taxes. I am surprised it isn’t higher than that.

    They might reconsider if they realized the increased taxes their employer pays will hurt them through lower pay and benefits and fewer job opportunities.

    Comment by Lucky Pierre Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:07 am

  23. Ron, you should be worried. Didn’t you claim last week that your state income taxes were $14K? That would put your AGI at about $282K.

    Good year last year, comrade.

    Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:12 am

  24. Without going into rates, JB should be able to identify a revenue target that will support his plans plus pay down debt already on the books.

    Comment by City Zen Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:23 am

  25. =A tax on services is truly regressive.=
    Because poor people spend so much money on yacht servicing, valet services, hair styling, plastic surgery, investment and brokerage services, and other high-dollar services.
    We have a service economy, and that service economy is tax-exempt. No wonder the burden on income and property taxes is ever increasing.

    Comment by Held for Moderation or Blocked Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:24 am

  26. The majority also wish to tax high retirement incomes. Why should retirees receiving $100,000 or more in income a year not pay anything?

    Comment by My thoughts Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:25 am

  27. ===72% want it. That means 72% will vote against antiprogressive candidates.===

    More likely that 72% of voters want somebody else to pay more. Let’s see where the numbers line up before calling the election.

    And speaking of lining up the numbers, why on Earth would Pritzker or anyone else suggest new tax rates until they know how much money they need? At the end of the day, whatever the rates are need to generate enough cash to pay the bills and maybe a little something extra for the debt Rauner has accumulated with his mad bidness skills.

    You want property tax relief too? Then fewer people are going to pay less under the new rates.

    I understand why everybody is curious to know what the new rates might be, but save your pixels. We’re a long way from that point.

    Comment by 47th Ward Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:26 am

  28. ==The Simon Poll last month had 72% supporting a graduated income tax (no rates mentioned) and 76% supporting a millionaire’s surtax.==

    The Simon Poll I’d like to see is this one:

    Please identify the income level you believe people should pay more in taxes than they do today when implementing a graduated income tax:

    $50,000 , $75,000 , $150,000 , $500,000 , $1M

    Comment by City Zen Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:27 am

  29. ===I understand why everybody is curious to know what the new rates might be, but save your pixels===

    At the very least, he needs to say what income level will see higher taxation than today.

    Comment by Rich Miller Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:28 am

  30. Always the biggest and most important question is what is considered wealthy?

    100K in some rural areas can buy you 2 homes. And you would be considered very very well off. In the suburbs, you are hurting.

    I’ve always wished folks could pay taxes by zip code instead of income.

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:31 am

  31. I think that’s also why so many people who don’t live in suburban areas think that pension amounts of 40k are outrageous. You are poor in the suburbs, trying to live on 40k

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:33 am

  32. Please Democrats, please start taxing retirement and military pensions.

    You’ll finally turn this state back to purple.

    Comment by Ole General Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:34 am

  33. There is really no reason to go into the specifics unless either 1. Most people really will see a tax decrease or 2. You just want to be honest and transparent with the voters

    Comment by AndyIllini Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:36 am

  34. –Please Democrats, please start taxing retirement and military pensions.–

    Your proposal here, I don’t think it’s very popular with any lawmakers.

    What other tax increases are you in favor of?

    Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:38 am

  35. - What other tax increases are you in favor of? -

    According to Wallethub, Illinois is only the 8th most tax-burdened state. We can definitely get in the top 3 in the next few years.

    Chicago sales tax should be 15 percent.
    Sin tax - 50 percent
    Casino - 90 percent
    Property - Minimum of 3 percent
    Car sticker - $500 per car
    Retirement income - 30 percent

    That should be okay.

    Comment by Ole General Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:43 am

  36. It’s outrageous that someone running for governor in tending to raise taxes won’t tell us how much he wants to raise them. Does JB realize Illinois is the 5th highest taxed state in the union already?

    Oh of course he doesn’t, he doesn’t pay taxes.

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:46 am

  37. “Please identify the income level you believe people should pay more in taxes than they do today when implementing a graduated income tax:

    $50,000 , $75,000 , $150,000 , $500,000 , $1M”

    Yeah, this would be very insightful.

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:50 am

  38. FYI, Chicago metro median family income is $79K.

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:51 am

  39. I believe the cut off for a 1%er in Metro Chicago is around $425K.

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:54 am

  40. Sorry it’s $416K in income for the entire state of Illinois to be a 1%er.

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:59 am

  41. @Ron, can you please ask Bruce Rauner how he will be paying for everything he says he is going to do without revenue? Specifics please, since he has been governor for 3 years he should have numbers down to the decimal.

    While you are at it, can you ask him how much waste and fraud he haas identified?That one is only three years overdue. Mind you, we are not interested in the waste and fraud he has created. We keep getting those numbers.

    One last favor please, can you ask him what Mrs. Munger does for her plum salary?

    A most sincere thank you my friend.

    Comment by JS Mill Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 12:02 pm

  42. - Has JB identified any spending cuts -

    I literally laughed out loud.

    Comment by Hysteria Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 12:03 pm

  43. - Rich Miller - Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 11:28 am:

    ===I understand why everybody is curious to know what the new rates might be, but save your pixels===

    At the very least, he needs to say what income level will see higher taxation than today.

    +++ And if he doesn’t…just watch how fast it gets done “for him”.

    Comment by A guy Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 12:03 pm

  44. Hysteria, I cry out loud thinking of JB as governor.

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 12:04 pm

  45. A guy, of course he needs to tell the people income tax rates he wants. HUD just released new median family incomes for the country.

    Illinois has a median family income of $77,900.
    Chicago MSA is now $84,600.

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 12:14 pm

  46. If you are going to increase state income tax revenues, it would be interesting to at least know if not the rates. What is the target increase in terms of dollars, is it a billion dollars, 3 billion, 150 dollars. If we had that number we could look at some scenarios.

    It is interesting he talks about 750 Million in pot tax revenue, that is triple what Colorado took in with a bit under half of Illinois population.

    Comment by OneMan Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 12:15 pm

  47. I think it’s logical to expect Illinois take in $500-600 Million for legalized pot. $750million is crazy and not gonna happen.

    Either way, that is the easiest money we could start collecting tomorrow.

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 12:19 pm

  48. And every dime should go to debt relief. NO NEW SPENDING

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 12:20 pm

  49. JB, knowing that Illinois has a median family income of $77,900, what tax rates do you propose?

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 12:21 pm

  50. Why should JB bother giving information. He won’t be the one “in charge.” We’d be better off asking Mr. Madigan. Except he talks to no one about nothing that none of us need to know!

    Comment by NeverPoliticallyCorrect Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 12:28 pm

  51. Ron on a roll here. Kind of a troll roll to me. Bumping up the comment count to make it seem this topic is more stirring than it actually is.

    State needs income so I appreciate that JB has something of a plan. From what I can tell of the incumbent, his plan is to raise taxes on future generations of Illinoisans. To say otherwise makes you a math denier.

    Comment by Original Rambler Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 12:32 pm

  52. Ok, Mr. Madigan, knowing that Illinois has a median family income of $77,900, what tax rates do you propose?

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 12:33 pm

  53. Isn’t it interesting that those who would hardly feel a few percentage points increase in taxation are the absolutely last people who’d be willing to part with a penny?

    Meanwhile we middle class working people are attacking each other over incomes we think are 10k too much. Hah!

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 12:34 pm

  54. Never thought I’d say this about a billionaire, but I’ll pay what JB pays. Would be a massive savings.

    Comment by DuPage Moderate Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 12:36 pm

  55. - Original Rambler - Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 12:32 pm:

    “make it seem this topic is more stirring than it actually is”

    Actually, this is a very important topic to most taxpayers. Given the $10,000 SALT tax cap and the ever increasing property taxes along with the bump in income tax last year, it’s important. In reading what some analysts have predicted, there’s no way we can have a progressive income tax without the majority paying more. And to be fair, some of us are currently that “future generation of Illinoisans” you are commenting about.

    Comment by Sands Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 12:47 pm

  56. State needs income so I appreciate that JB has something of a plan. From what I can tell of the incumbent, his plan is to raise taxes on future generations of Illinoisans. To say otherwise makes

    The ‘taxes on future generations’ plan in Illinois certainly didn’t start 3 years ago. The last increase to the tax rate came with an end date even though the ‘problem’ it was going to solve wasn’t going to be gone at that point.

    Fundamentally a tax increase by a Governor Pritzker is going to cost Democrats in the legislature votes come election time. Is Madigan willing to make that sacrifice?

    The thing is I would be ok with a tax increase that would cost me more, not thrilled about it but ok with it. The concern I would have with any sort of graduated system in Illinois would then become a cash machine for the legislature where they would just keep increasing the top rates to increase revenue. Also that JB is looking for revenue to ‘do more’, which while nice, is not something Illinois can afford even with additional revenue.

    Comment by OneMan Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 12:50 pm

  57. word, we paid $14K in RE taxes last year. Our IL income tax bill was more.

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:07 pm

  58. My goodness the AFP folks are in a froth. Ron breathe, take a cleansing walk or old fashioned nap.

    Look you’re not going to get the rates because there will be no bill to put the referendum on the ballot.

    It has to happen by May 10
    It’s not going to happen
    And hilariously
    All AFP and IPI
    Are panicked.
    What fun

    Comment by Honeybear Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:11 pm

  59. @Ron- exactly what I thought you would say.

    Pritzker should get more specific about his plans. There is really no downside to being honest. For all of the LO’s and Ron’s of the world who simply don’t understand that bills need to be paid there are others out there that do understand that concept. Real conservatives understand that.

    Those that hate Taxes will complain If you spend even a dime. The rest of us want see value for our tax dollar. Quality services and digging ourselves out of this debt hole that we are in without impoverishing pensioners who paid into the pension and fulfilled there end of the contract.

    Comment by JS Mill Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:14 pm

  60. Taxing retirement income is fine as long as I can then bump some young person out of the job I gave up to make up that income. They can flip burgers.

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:16 pm

  61. $8/shirt and $12/pant currently at Old Navy.

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:32 pm

  62. Honeybear, what tax brackets do you propose? The median family in Illinois makes $77,900.

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:33 pm

  63. JS Mills, Illinois provides almost no value in terms of return on tax dollars for the vast majority of its people. If we actually got something for the 5th highest tax burden I would feel better.

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:35 pm

  64. ===Illinois provides almost no value in terms of return on tax dollars for the vast majority of its people.===

    This is a ridiculous statement.

    - Ron -, don’t answer me, I’m not engaging you, just trying to understand what you think you’re adding. Be thoughtful.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:37 pm

  65. The prudent way to run a household is to make sure that spending doesn’t exceed income. When you have down times, you cut back on spending (or at least you should). Would it be nice to have Starbucks every day? Absolutely. But should I cut it out so that I can pay bills? Of course. The government should be run the same way. Illinois doesn’t have the money for all the programs, so find ones that are like Starbucks and cut back. I’m sure they’re out there. The problem, of course, is that the left and the right can’t agree on what programs are Starbucks. I read something the Pope said about how it is equally sacred (after defending the lives of the innocent unborn) to care for those who are already born who are poor and destitute. I know both sides agree with that. But when my neighbor is on food stamps and going out to the trendiest restaurant on a weekly basis, and her kids are wearing clothes from a fancy department store, there is something wrong with the programs that are supposed to help the poor and destitute. Illinois has to get its household in order.

    Comment by looking to the future Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:40 pm

  66. OW, what does the average taxpayer get that justifies the 5the highest tax burden in the nation?

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:42 pm

  67. ===But when my neighbor is on food stamps and going out to the trendiest restaurant on a weekly basis, and her kids are wearing clothes from a fancy department store, there is something wrong with the programs that are supposed to help the poor and destitute===

    Which restaurants? Which department stores?

    Lemme guess. You’re a “taxpayer”.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:42 pm

  68. –This is a ridiculous statement.–

    That’s why he gets the big money.

    Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:42 pm

  69. The tax bracket I propose is called nap time for Ron

    Comment by Honeybear Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:43 pm

  70. Well stated looking to the future.

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:43 pm

  71. Yep, more dodging from the IL tax and spenders.

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:44 pm

  72. No matter what numbers he gives he’s going to continue to get hammered about increasing taxes but he can at least give some numbers so those tax increases can be tied to an income tax bracket. Asking a bunch of millionaires to pay a higher income tax rate isn’t going to upset the average voter and it provides the perfect opportunity for the argument that the uber rich shouldn’t get away with paying the same tax rate as some guy making $40K per year.

    Comment by Demoralized Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:45 pm

  73. Ron:

    Your bot server is stuck. Reboot it.

    Comment by Demoralized Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:45 pm

  74. Demoralized, what would you propose knowing the median Illinois family makes $77,900?

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:46 pm

  75. –But when my neighbor is on food stamps and going out to the trendiest restaurant on a weekly basis,…–

    Wow, they must have really cut back on the Starbucks.

    What are some of the “trendiest restaurants” your food-stamp neighbors are going to?

    Feel free to look at the budget books online so you can apply reality to your silly analogy.

    Comment by wordslinger Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:47 pm

  76. - Ron -

    I read your comment.

    Good luck.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:48 pm

  77. I’d propose the guy making $1M a year pay a higher percentage than the guy paying $40K a year. I’d start there and work my way down.

    Comment by Demoralized Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:48 pm

  78. the guy “making” $40k . . .

    Comment by Demoralized Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:48 pm

  79. how much more?

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:50 pm

  80. OW, great. So what does the average IL taxpayer get for the 5th highest tax burden in the nation?

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:51 pm

  81. ==what does the average IL taxpayer get for the 5th highest tax burden in the nation?==

    Why would anyone answer such a ridiculous question.

    Comment by Demoralized Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:53 pm

  82. - Ron -

    Your Tone isn’t going to help your ridiculousness.

    I read your comment.

    Good luck.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:54 pm

  83. OW - I’m not sure why taxpayer is in quotes. If you mean to say that I’m not actually paying taxes, let me assure you that I am.

    Comment by looking to the future Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:56 pm

  84. lol… let me assure you, we’re all taxpayers.

    What restaurants? Which department stores?

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 1:58 pm

  85. What happens when the majority of the people at the top of the pyramid leave the state?

    Comment by DuPage Moderate Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 2:05 pm

  86. Looking to the future- you’re full of crap. How would you know if your neighbor is on food stamps? And Link doesn’t work at restaurants. As someone who administers the program I can totally tell you’re lying right off the bat.

    Comment by Honeybear Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 2:07 pm

  87. ===How would you know if your neighbor is on food stamps? And Link doesn’t work at restaurants. As someone who administers the program I can totally tell you’re lying right off the bat.===

    Now you’re taking away my fun, lol

    I’m sure “they know”, - Honeybear -, and they’ll tell you “you don’t” … they know” something, something, something… “I know”

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 2:09 pm

  88. Sorry OW. I’m aging and the “Get off my lawn” reflex is strengthening. I bellowed before I realized you were having a tremendously joyous time. Like an otter with a ping pong ball.
    Maybe I need a nap

    Comment by Honeybear Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 2:18 pm

  89. - Honeybear -

    No worries, hope you’re well. Keep plugging.

    I can’t wait to hear which restaurants…

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 2:25 pm

  90. “Ron on a roll here. Kind of a troll roll to me. Bumping up the comment count to make it seem this topic is more stirring than it actually is.”

    Less of a roll and more like he’s enhanced. Ron, dude, you’ve posted about 20% of the comments on this thread. And all you seem to be able to say is, “________, what rates would you propose.” Yea, we get it. You don’t want to pay higher taxes. And your governor doesn’t want to tell us how he’s going to balance the budget…after more than three years in office. Easy to be the critic. Looking forward to your concrete suggestions.

    And if you are indeed “crying out loud at the thought of JB as governor,” you may want to stock up on Kleenex - your guy is doing nothing remotely constructive to prevent that from happening.

    Comment by Chicago Cynic Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 2:26 pm

  91. Sands, sure it is an important topic. And JB floated a concept out there of a graduated income tax to solve it. His opponent’s plan, well, it’s not based in reality. It’s not me saying that, it’s the ISC saying that. The state of the law right now is the pensions have to be paid. So what’s his plan to pay them? He has no plan, not even a concept. I really wish cullerton would concede his proposed legislation is likely unconstitutional. That would prevent Rauner from using it as a crutch that the ISC is likely to kick out from under him.

    I feel for the debt being foisted on your generation. Right now JB at least has a rough plan to address it. Our incumbent governor has magic beans. I’ll take the rough plan.

    Comment by Original Rambler Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 2:29 pm

  92. ==Your Tone isn’t going to help your ridiculousness.==

    I sense a hidden message here.

    Comment by City Zen Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 3:39 pm

  93. Honeybear and OW - My reply to you didn’t post. There wasn’t anything offensive or inappropriate, so I don’t know what happened.

    Comment by looking to the future Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 3:44 pm

  94. ==I feel for the debt being foisted on your generation. Right now JB at least has a rough plan to address it.==

    How exactly? The plan is for the younger generation to pay higher taxes (when the time comes) and have lower college savings/retirement accounts (money diverted into higher taxes).

    Either way, the debt is being foisted on the generations furthest removed from the services rendered. JB cannot sell it any other way, unless he taxes retirement income.

    Comment by City Zen Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 3:49 pm

  95. You caught that - City Zen -…

    Sometimes I’m writing to certain audievefs with other meanings. This *may* be one of those times.

    - looking to the future -

    Ok. Thanks.

    Comment by Oswego Willy Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 3:50 pm

  96. === It’s outrageous that someone running for governor in tending to raise taxes won’t tell us how much he wants to raise them. ===

    Far less outrageous than someone BEING governor and promising to cut taxes but won’t tell us where he wants to cut spending.

    Ron, very reliable sources tell me Pritzker will raise taxes only on those earning $500,000 or more, and hecwill not expand the tax to include retirement income or military income.

    By “very reliable sources” I mean it is a rough guess.

    Comment by Thomas Paine Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 4:19 pm

  97. Enough of rumors. Let JB come out and tell us who and how much each group of earners, will pay in new taxes.

    Comment by Anonymous Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 5:02 pm

  98. Anonymous, I completely agree. I wonder if JB knows the median income of an illinois family is $77,900.

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 5:28 pm

  99. Thomas P. what rates will those be? Will everyone under $500k receive a cut?

    Comment by Ron Monday, Apr 9, 18 @ 5:43 pm

  100. ==I wonder if JB knows the median income of an illinois family is $77,900.==

    Can you please stop with your spamming? It’s geting really old. Go get a hobby for crying out loud.

    Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 7:37 am

  101. Demoralized, it’s hard not to notice that all the tax and spenders have nothing to say about Illinois having the 5th highest tax burden in the nation and JB wanting to increase the burden. We are losing people at a rate fasteer than all but West Virginia right now.

    Comment by Ron Tuesday, Apr 10, 18 @ 8:19 am

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