While I think the Fair Tax proposal was a good approach for dealing with Illinois's budgetary problems, I can understand why it failed.
Poor messaging on the part of Pritzker and lack of support from many Democratic leaders, including Lightfoot. Maybe the actual rates should have been included in the amendment. Another problem is that a large chunk of the revenue would have to be applied to the pension shortfall, not property tax relief. That’s the big elephant in the room that many people don’t understand or want to address. It was caused by decades of bi-partisan, bogus-balanced budgets that failed to contribute the required amounts to the pension systems each year.
And then there’s the “trust issue.” “Because Madigan….” (boy do I wish that old fart would retire); recent doubling of the gas tax and other fee increases; blank check concerns; and a general disconnect that people have with state government. As one pundit put it, “many people think of the state as a separate, alien entity from themselves. As if state debt isn’t their debt as well. Or that state “spending” isn’t related to their families.”
Well, the voters have spoken. Perhaps Pritzker should have followed Jerry Brown’s “scorched-earth” model in CA by making deep cuts in government first. Start closing prisons, IDOT facilities, SOS offices and community colleges. Less funding for hospitals, local governments, workforce training, wastewater treatment upgrades, mental health programs, public safety equipment and higher education too. Do we need EIU, Chicago State and WIU? Do we need two state fairs?
Looks like it’s time to put an “austerity budget” on the table for the legislators, citizens and interest groups to review and decide how best to move forward. Some legislators and groups have said we can cut our way out of the mess, but they never provide the specifics. Don’t give me that 10%, 15% or more “across the board” cuts dodge. Which programs, services, grants, facilities and equipment should be cut and by how much?
Let’s see what the details looks like and have an honest discussion. Until people take the time to see real numbers and what taxes pay for (discretionary, non-discretionary spending, etc.), I don’t think there will be meaningful progress in dealing with the state budget crisis.
Recent
Let's talk about somethin...
by murphstahoe Recovering from. by ridingthegrange
Bears @ Browns by Reacher
Total Members: 142