State Needs to Look Ahead, Invest in Jobs, Infrastructure, Schools

     Last year while Democrats grappled amongst a budget gridlock, various tax increase proposals were introduced as a way to alleviate the state budget crunch. Democrat officials—from both the state and county levels—proposed about $22 billion in numerous tax increases ranging from payroll, personal income, sales, motor fuel, and other taxes.

     “Residents are paying higher prices at the gas pumps. They are paying more for healthcare, groceries, and education for their children,” Ramey said. “The economy is in recession. Now is not the time to burden residents with more tax increase proposals when the current administration has not had the foresight to manage its budget efficiently and responsibly.”

     This past year, House Republicans also were victorious in thwarting the Governor’s staple plan of implementing a costly Gross Receipts Tax on Illinois businesses. At the Governor’s State of the State budget address given Feb. 20, the Governor said he plans to provide a $3.5 million tax cut on businesses that he says are “paying more than their fair share in taxes,” however he failed to indicate he also is imposing $1.2 billion in new taxes on employers—a measure that will continue year after year,” Ramey said.

     While different tax increase proposals have been introduced by Democrat leaders, House Republicans have been committed to crafting an economic job recovery program that will increase high-paying jobs and improve the state’s infrastructure and schools.

     “The state debt is now more than $100 billion, which includes our pensions, loans and other projects that we’ve committed to pay back,” Ramey said. “The Illinois people don’t need another tax increase, nor do they want to hear unfulfilled promises given in a nicely prepared speech. We’ve pushed for the past year to get a capital plan in place and now is the time to prepare for these unstable economic times by investing in the needs of our state and creating more jobs.”

     For more information, contact Rep. Ramey at (630) 876-0703.