Laura Donahue is convinced nothing short of a totally comprehensive approach will help state lawmakers finally get Illinois’ longtime financial struggles under control.
“We have to get away from the idea we can just tax our way out of anything,” Donahue, chairman of the Adams County Republican Central Committee, told the Quincy Reporter. “I think it’s time we sat down and had a sensible discussion about all the things we need to cut to try to get this state back on track.”
Donahue said she is convinced the direction being pushed by new Gov. J.B. Pritzker is the wrong one.
In his first budget address, Pritzker recently doubled down on the progressive income tax idea he has been pushing since his days as a candidate. Soon after his Feb. 20 speech, Illinois Policy Institute reported that he and House Speaker Mike Madigan upped the ante by going public with their desire to see such legislation advance before the current session in Springfield finishes at the end of May.
In order for such legislation to become official, lawmakers must enact a constitutional amendment and then have the measure approved by voters by referendum. The earliest the measure could appear on the ballot is 2020.
While Pritzker has continued to sell the measure as a “tax on the rich,” Donahue argues it’s just a matter of time before the burden will spread to impact everyone.
“I don’t think it will be good for state and will hurt not only the middle class, but the poor as well,” she said. “I think the definition of what they’re using as rich is completely arbitrary.”
Donahue said all Illinois’ recent issues with outmigration can be directly traced to its spiraling tax rates and the idea of a progressive tax only ensures more of the same.
“Dealing with all our tax issues is the only way to stop the floodgates,” she said.
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