Vote for income tax increase

I want to commend State Sen. Michael Noland for his support of after-school programs for kids over the last couple of years. His support of programs such as TeenREACH has helped organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Elgin continue offering quality programming to thousands of Elgin children. These programs have helped kids do better in school, develop healthy habits and decision-making skills, improve leadership skills and strengthen civic engagement.

Unfortunately, in the upcoming weeks, Sen. Noland and Rep. Keith Farnham are faced with difficult budget choices in Springfield. While it has been easy to do the right thing when there was money, it will take strong leadership to do the right thing during tough economic times.

As a taxpayer, I support increasing the state income tax to at least 5 percent to ensure important children's programs and services are adequately funded. I visited with Sen. Noland a few weeks ago to share this viewpoint, and I encourage you to call both your state senator and state representative. Since kids don't vote or pay taxes, they typically are voiceless in our political process. You can help give a voice to thousands of area kids who are currently voiceless. Please voice your support for a tax increase. These resources are necessary to help area nonprofit organizations keep our kids away from gangs, drugs, guns and violence.

You can find phone numbers and e-mail addresses for your legislators at http://www.ilga.gov. Please don't wait, because these important decisions are being made in the next few days. The next generation of productive and caring citizens is counting on your civic action. Please give Sen. Noland and Rep. Farnham the political cover to continue doing the right thing.

Eric Anderson

Elgin