Tax Swap Legislation is Bad for Our Schools

Property Tax Swap Legislation Bad for Local Schools and Taxpayers, By Tim Stratton

The Illinois General Assembly is considering legislation that would increase state income taxes on residents. The legislation, Senate Bill 2288 would increase income tax rates by 67% according to the Pioneer Press. The legislation increases taxes on individuals estates and businesses and promises a property tax reduction.

This is wrong for the state, wrong for Lake and Cook Counties and wrong for our District. Increasing the tax burden on our residents, small business owners and entrepreneurs will only drive us deeper into financial malaise. We need to create incentives for investment and job growth, not drive it away.

The tax-swap bill gaining traction, Senate Bill 2288, is sponsored by allies of Senate President Emil Jones, who long has pushed for higher income taxes to raise money for districts with less than strong tax bases.

The schools in our District are some of the best in the state, if not the nation. We need to protect these assets and make sure our kids have the best education possible. A tax swap is a bad idea because it will put the state in charge of education spending. I pledge to keep your local property tax dollars in your local school districts.

If the state government gets it hands on your money that will be a disaster. They have already demonstrated a complete lack of fiscal responsibility, just look at the CTA and the unfunded state pensions. It’s a mess and we don't need to rob the children of this state. There is no guarantee that the tax swap will result in lower property taxes. What will happen is an immediate income tax increase and then the property taxes will increase again over time. This is nothing more than a power grab at the expense of the suburbs.

Unfortunately my opponent is not showing leadership on this issue and that is one of the reasons I am running for State Representative. Karen May told the Pioneer Press that, "Whatever (legislature leadership) comes up with, I have to be sure they do not hurt our area."

I applaud Karen for her concern about our area but frankly the question we need to ask is why is she waiting for leadership to come up with something?" If the voters of the District elect me to be their next State Representative. I will seek to be a part of that leadership. We need a State Representative who will tell Springfield what we need, not one who just reports back on what leadership is doing.

Tim Stratton