ISSUE: Illinois Fiscal Policy
Increase taxes to avoid service program cuts
Published in the Southtown/Star - Letters to Editor
July 1, 2009
The state budget problems must be resolved with substantial increases in revenue to assure the proposed budget cuts will not damage hundreds of our neighbors during these difficult times. Many people depend on state-funded child care so they can work, foster care subsidies to have a safe home and home health care to remain independent.
Agencies have been operating by combining state dollars with private fundraising, and by underpaying and overworking their staffs. These agencies have been notified their state dollars will be eliminated or reduced. Not only will those requiring services be hurt, but those who provide these services will find their jobs gone, leaving thousands unemployed and possibly in need of services themselves.
Programs such as education and Medicaid are matched by federal stimulus dollars. Eliminating funds from these programs would result in a loss of matching funds, leaving an even greater budget deficit than we face. These programs have been underfunded for many years.
The League of Women Voters of Illinois has fought for decades to have state leaders implement a progressive tax system and has warned of the calamity we face today. Inadequate revenue and increasing state obligations for items such as health care and retiree benefits have been the result of actions taken by Republicans and Democrats.
We urge our elected leaders to stop pointing fingers and misleading the public about the need for an income tax increase. We don't need debate; we need action to care for our most vulnerable citizens. The League of Women Voters is asking all readers to contact your state legislators today and urge them to vote to raise revenue to fund a full year's budget by increasing the income tax.
Erin Roeper and Syvia Tillman,
co-presidents
Homewood-Flossmoor Area League
of Women Voters
More Action Articles |
