20% tax hike? Laughable

I find it laughable that Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton finds it necessary to threaten all taxpayers unequivocally stating that if the inappropriately named “fair” tax is not approved, all residentswill be subject to an overall 20% tax increase. Amazingly, Stratton agrees that an overall tax increase will be ruinous to the state, accelerating the exodus of hardworking taxpayers. As the only solution that our politicians can ever grasp, she seems resigned to blindly drive the Illinois fiscal vehicle over the cliff at full speed ahead if necessary.

She obviously drew the short strawand was reluctantly shoved on stage by Gov. J.B. Pritzker andHouse Speaker Michael Madigan while they cowered in place. Certainly a message (threat) of this import should come directly fromthem.

We all knowthe game. Illinois pols are incapable of controlling their reckless spending and are like junkies. The addict can never be saved with this approach. Instead of being forthright and looking to resolve the issues of pension reform, ethics reform streamlining of government, etc., they look for the next easy tax “fix” and even brazenly try to legitimize it under the auspice of “fairness.”

I fervently hope our citizens are astute enough to see through this tactic (with the addition of this latest threat) and vote against a graduated income tax.

If the “fair” tax is defeated, I say, “Bring it on.” Let’s see our leaders raise taxes across the board so they can finally see an awakening of Illinois taxpayers who have remained docile too long. I don’t think Pritzker, Madigan and our legislature have the guts.

— Brad Johnson, Crete