Syverson: Governor's Tax-Heavy Budget Plan
SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) today criticized the budget preview announced by Gov. Pat Quinn, a plan leaders of the Governor’s own party say they will oppose. Under the proposal, the Governor would again push for a major income tax hike on Illinois taxpayers. Syverson noted House Speaker Michael Madigan has publicly opposed any sort of a tax hike before the November election, meaning the Governor’s budget would end up billions of dollars out of balance. “The Governor’s budget sets us up for more of the same gridlock we’ve seen over the past seven years,” Syverson said. “It hinges on a tax hike his fellow Democratic leaders say they will oppose. Without that tax hike, the Governor’s budget would fall billions of dollars short of the constitutional requirement of a balanced budget.” Syverson said he was eager to work with the Governor and state lawmakers to pass a budget that focuses on reining in spending. He would start with the litany of reforms submitted to the Governor last year – the product of the Senate’s Deficit Reduction Committee. “The people of our state deserve a responsible, credible budget plan,” Syverson said. “Passing a budget that relies on more long-term borrowing and fiscal tricks will put us in even more dire fiscal straits. The only way we can truly balance the budget and resolve Illinois’ fiscal crisis is for the state to finally live within its means.” The Senator said economic growth was also a key element in ending the fiscal emergency. Illinois is currently 48th in the nation in job creation, which has served to drive down state revenues. “We need to be doing everything we can to bring high quality jobs and businesses back to Illinois,” Syverson said. “A better jobs climate will boost state revenues, and assist us in growing out of the deficits of recent years.” Syverson urged concerned taxpayers to email his office at info@senatordavesyverson.com, to weigh in on how the state should balance the budget. “I believe the public deserves a strong voice in deciding how we climb out of the fiscal hole,” Syverson said. “It’s unfortunate the Governor proposed an income tax hike before taxpayers even had a chance to make suggestions. Hopefully, by working together and speaking with a strong and united voice, the public and responsible lawmakers ensure Illinois passes a balanced and responsible budget.”...
