Small tax hike appropriate for state

We need a tax hike of some kind in Illinois. As some of your articles have pointed out, we cannot simply cut our way out of the massive deficit we have.

Under the previous governor, the state offices were repeatedly victimized financially, as were services and grants to deserving local organizations with repeated cuts. The previous governor would not allow a needed tax increase so that he could tell potential voters that he did not increase taxes when he ran for president. A sales tax increase would be appropriate.

A few cents increase in the sales tax would not hurt anyone. People everywhere leave pennies lying in the street because they are so insignificant. In these trying times we must all share the burden of preserving the services of the state especially by those who can afford to do so.

Without taxes we would not have fire and police protection, quality education, and social and recreational services. A small but necessary increase in Illinois taxes is long overdue.

Stewart E Brekke

Downers Grove