These can be used as is or used for ideas
on how to write your own, as long as the message fits in with
the League’s principles.
Dear (legislator):
Much has been written lately about the fiscal ill health of the State of Illinois.
For more than three decades, the League of Women Voters of Illinois have advocated
for a state fiscal policy that relies on a diversified revenue system of broad-based
taxes and user fees, that is equitable, progressive, and stable. Therefore,
we strongly urge the Illinois General Assembly to enact tax reform legislation
this session.
The League strongly supports SB2288 which provides for a long-term sustainable
source of funding for Illinois schools and human services, provides property
tax relief for homeowners and businesses and creates a revenue source for a
$1 billion capital debt service program that will not only address infrastructure
needs, but act as an economic engine by putting people to work here at home.
Senate Bill 2288 is the best opportunity for Illinois to address the financial
woes while still leaving it ranked as one of the lowest income taxed states
in the nation.
These discussions have been going on for far too many years and it is time for
our elected legislators to act in the name of good government and on behalf
of all people of Illinois.
As your constituent and as a taxpayer in Illinois, meeting the needs of Illinois
through fiscal reform is of great importance to me. I am a member of the League
of Women Voters Greater Rockford and Fiscal Policy/Funding of Public Education
and Social Services is the core advocacy issue and priority of League of Women
Voters Illinois in 2008.
I urge you to support legislation such as SB 2288/HB 750 as sensible and comprehensive
approaches to solving Illinois’ ever deepening fiscal problems and as
a way to meet some of our most pressing needs.
OR, a longer, more detailed letter:
Dear (legislator):
As a taxpayer in Illinois, meeting the needs of Illinois through fiscal reform
is of great importance to me. I am a member of the League of Women Voters (your
organization) and Fiscal Policy/Funding of Public Education and Social Services
is the core advocacy issue and priority of the League of Women Voters Illinois
in 2008.
SB 2288 seeks to provide $1 billion in debt service for desperately needed infrastructure
improvement. With sound infrastructure key to attracting new business to the
state and providing the potential for badly needed job creation, this is not
a provision to be taken lightly. SB 2288 represents an opportunity for Illinois
to get back on track financially by providing a new, permanent revenue source
while still leaving Illinois ranked as one of the lowest income taxed states
in the nation. By providing for property tax relief and a tax credit for the
lowest wage earners, it will help bring balance to Illinois’ tax system.
In addition, the bill addresses the issue of responsible and adequate school
funding. Level of educational attainment has been shown repeatedly to be a determining
factor in lifetime earnings. Children attending schools unable to meet their
needs are more likely to be truant and/or drop out, putting them at risk for
future success and self sufficiency.
With a capable, educated labor force a determining factor in where business
decides to locate, can Illinois afford not to ensure that students graduate
with the skills both they and the businesses who will seek to hire them need
to succeed in Illinois?
SB 2288 addresses funding in such a way as to reduce the burden on property
owners and ensure that children throughout the state have access to the quality
of education they require, without regard to where they live. Right now we have
a system that depends primarily on local taxes to fund schools, leaving the
wealthier districts with substantial resources and the property poor districts
with often less than adequate resources to do the job entrusted them. As there
is a strong correlation between districts that spend a larger amount per pupil
and higher test scores, this disparity underscores the inherent unfairness in
the current system.
When all these factors are taken into account- tax fairness, reduction in Illinois’
structural deficit, improved education, and meeting the current and future needs
of the business community — can we afford not to support legislation that will
comprehensively address all these issues? I urge you to support SB 2288 as a
sensible and comprehensive approach to solving Illinois’ ever deepening
fiscal problems and as a way to meet some of our most pressing needs.
This bill is a great start towards a solving Illinois’ fiscal crisis
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