Suburban lawmakers say lame-duck tax talk all wet

SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Rod Blagojevich might believe there's a conspiracy brewing among lawmakers to raise taxes after the elections, but many suburban members say they'd have no part in the rumored plot.

"No, absolutely not. You'd have to be suicidal to vote for a tax increase after what we've seen in Cook County. We'll just have to do with less," said state Rep. Brent Hassert, a Romeoville Republican facing a stiff re-election bid in Will County.

Around the Capitol, a tax hike is always rumored to be around the corner. But Blagojevich lent his credibility to the speculation when he recently told reporters he thinks the Illinois House and Democratic Speaker Michael Madigan are scheming for just such an increase.

So far, it looks like a suburban-free conspiracy.

In recent days, the Daily Herald touched base with more than two dozen local lawmakers. Although nearly all said they'd heard rumors, not a one was willing to put his or her name on such an increase.

State Rep. Dennis Reboletti, an Elmhurst Republican, said a "November surprise" on taxes "would come as no surprise."

Would he vote for it? "Absolutely not."

It was a familiar refrain.

"I've never voted for a tax or fee increase," said state Rep. Jack Franks, a Woodstock Democrat. "I don't think we need a tax increase."

Madigan himself told a room full of reporters that he has no plans to have lame-duck lawmakers consider a tax increase this fall during the brief, post-electon session and would oppose trying to raise taxes in such a manner.

But Madigan remained coy about next year when a new General Assembly will be sworn in.

"Next spring is next spring. It's a long time away," Madigan said.

Tax hike opponents urged voters to keep this in mind when candidates for state office come calling this summer.

And while the governor focuses on Madigan and the Illinois House, several Senate Democrats have actively pushed tax increases and a plan raising the income tax by more than 60 percent remains pending in that chamber.

"It's out there. It's not a secret for those of us in the legislature," said state Sen. Dan Cronin, an Elmhurst Republican. "I hope that people, when they go to the polls, know what's going to happen right after Election Day."

Not surprisingly, suburban Senate Democrats also weren't embracing tax increases at a time when gas prices are skyrocketing, the housing market is slumping and the economy is soft.

"I do not see that now is the time to hit the people of Illinois with a tax increase," said Aurora Democrat Linda Holmes.

Election Day is Nov. 4. The General Assembly's fall session is scheduled to begin the following week.

Where they stand

The Daily Herald sought out suburban lawmakers during their two-day special session at the Capitol. Of the nearly 30 interviewed, not a one was clearly supporting higher taxes. Some, however, refused to be pinned down on a tax that's merely rumored. Here's a rundown of where they stand.

Said they'd oppose a state tax increase:

Rep. Suzie Bassi, Rolling Meadows Republican

Rep. Mark H. Beaubien Jr., Barrington Hills Republican

Rep. Robert A. Bob Biggins, Elmhurst Republican

Rep. Franco Coladipietro, Bloomingdale Republican

House Republican leader Tom Cross of Oswego.

Sen. Dan Cronin, Elmhurst Republican

Rep. Joe Dunn, Naperville Republican

Rep. Mike Fortner, West Chicago Republican

Rep. Jack D. Franks, Woodstock Democrat

Rep. Paul Froehlich, Schaumburg Democrat

Sen. Susan Garrett, Lake Forest Democrat.

Rep. Brent Hassert, Romeoville Republican

Sen. Linda Holmes, Aurora Democrat

Rep. Carolyn H. Krause, Mount Prospect Republican

Rep. Sidney H. Mathias, Buffalo Grove Republican

Rep. James H. "Jim" Meyer, Naperville Republican

Rep. Rosemary Mulligan, Des Plaines Republican

Rep. Ruth Munson, Elgin Republican

Rep. JoAnn Osmond, Antioch Republican

Rep. Randy Ramey, Carol Stream Republican

Rep. Dennis Reboletti, Elmhurst Republican

Rep. Ed Sullivan Jr., Mundelein Republican

Rep. Michael Tryon, Crystal Lake Republican

Uncommitted:

•Rep. Linda Chapa-LaVia, Aurora Democrat: "I wouldn't necessarily be for it. I would be interested in seeing what that would look like and then talk to my constituency to see what they think."

•Rep. Fred Crespo, a Hoffman Estates Democrat: "I think it's kind of premature."

•Sen. Terry Link, a Waukegan Democrat: "I would never commit to voting for a tax increase without knowing the ins and outs about it."

•Rep. Kathleen A. Ryg, a Vernon Hills Democrat: "I think it's premature."

•Rep. Eddie Washington, a Waukegan Democrat: "If that's the only option on the table, then I will play my deck of cards."

Compiled by Daily Herald staff writers Nick Shields and John Patterson