There is need for an Illinois tax increase

Gov. Quinn has shown responsibility and courage by asking for an increase in taxes during these hard times. Illinois is humiliated and a laughing stock of the nation because of the greed and corruption which has been going on for far too long. It is time to face the music and to pay the piper. We can blame ex- governors Ryan and Blagojevich, Republicans and Democrats, along with big egos and stubbornness in Springfield for this mess, but also the blame goes to the ignorant or lazy voters who allow this to happen.

Both ex- governors refused to raise taxes for fear of losing the next election. Both allowed greed, corruption and spending to flourish with a complete disregard for the consequences. They did not do their jobs. Reform is long past due and this is the best time to accomplish a change, while there are enough aroused and angry voters to assert pressure on their representatives.

There is no question of the need for a tax increase and also political reform. Some states have no income tax, but Illinois still has one of the lower tax rates in the nation. Low income families in Illinois will pay no more tax than they do now.

Illinois is one of a very few states with no control on campaign financing. We have to have transparency in government, to know who is paying and who is receiving political and other contributions. Lobbyists have too much money and influence and they must be regulated.

It will take some years to clear the debt but we must start now. Will enough voters write letters, send e-mails, and complain at this opportune time, or will we ignore the problem, sit back, and let our grandchildren pay for the greed and inefficient services of some of our current and dishonest politicians. Many local elections are won by very thin margins, but the message from the voter will ring out loud and clear all the way to Washington.

William McNutt

Des Plaines