We need real, lasting solution

Illinois lawmakers are faced with a critical decision - protect vital public services Illinois' families depend on or make drastic budget cuts that put these programs at risk when they are needed most.

Illinois can no longer simply cut our way out of the state's staggering $12.6 billion budget hole without threatening health care, education, vital public programs and the long-term wellbeing of our state and its residents.

It's time for the Illinois General Assembly to find a real, lasting solution to this crisis. We've gone too long without addressing Illinois' fundamentally flawed revenue system - one that produces too little revenue to fund needed programs and places an unfair burden on Illinois' lowest-income residents. Illinois needs a budget plan that generates enough new revenue to fund vital services and speed economic recovery while prioritizing tax fairness. By generating this new revenue through tax fairness, the state will in fact cut the taxes of the majority of low-income working Illinoisans, and create a sustainable revenue source to support working families. Further, implementing increased revenue through tax fairness strengthens the state's economy by keeping people employed and retaining consumer demand.

Cuts, on the other hand, will weaken our economy and damage our ability to recover from this recession. The time for action is now. We must demand that our elected officials say no to balancing the state budget on the backs of working families, and demonstrate courage and leadership to say yes to a sufficient, fair revenue package that addresses the budget deficit while protecting vital services working families depend on.

Sharyl Robin

Buffalo Grove