We have to raise state income tax

Cutting state spending as a viable alternative to solving our state's budget shortfall is a myth we have a responsibility to dispel.

No one can rationally argue that it's possible to cut as much as 75 percent out of the general funds in order to balance the state budget. Doing so will devastate Illinois children and families throughout Illinois.

Illinois now has an opportunity to restore balance and equity to a system that unfairly taxes the most needy among us. We must raise the state income tax to at least 5 percent, and strengthen fairness measures such as the standard exemption and the Earned Income Tax Credit.

It's never been more urgent or important to contact your state legislators and urge them to support a balanced income tax increase. I've contacted my state legislators - Randall Hultgren and Darlene Senger - to do so. Have you contacted yours?

Melissa Meighen

Aurora