Time has come to increase income tax

In the rhetoric surrounding the debate on Illinois financial situation, the comparison to personal finances is often used. When individuals don't have enough money, they have to cut back on expenses. Illinois should do that.

The truth is when individuals don't have enough money, there comes a time when there is nothing left to cut back. They either have to find an additional source of income or they end up in bankruptcy, foreclosure, or worse. This is the situation Illinois will find itself in unless some courageous legislative leaders don't step forward.

Thousands of Illinoisans are losing their jobs because of the state's inability to pay its bills. Illinois schools are drastically cutting programs. Medicare and Medicaid bills are not being paid to health care providers. And Illinois' bond rating has fallen. It is time to find a new source of income. Those against raising the income tax say the economy is too bad. This is not the time. However, an increase in the income tax would not have as great an impact on those out of work or very poor, because it is based on their income. It would be largely paid by those who can better afford the increase (unlike a sales tax increase which disproportionately impacts those with low incomes).

Those against raising the income tax say this would discourage businesses from coming to Illinois. What business would want to come to a state whose schools are in peril and which does not meet its constitutional, contractual and financial obligations? I say it is time for our legislative leaders on both sides of the aisles to put the good of the state before their political aspirations. It is time to raise the income tax.

Linda Dickey

Lombard