Pass a state budget that funds services

As recently reported in news accounts, a record number of people marched on Springfield to demonstrate support for a responsible state budget, including the need for adequate revenue.

For the 15,000 residents who attended this rally, the real, full message is that our state doesn't just need a tax increase, it needs tax reform and modernization. We invest our tax dollars in public services - such as education, health care, early childhood and senior services, fire and police services, and programs for persons with disabilities and the mentally ill - because we know they contribute to the well-being and safety of all of us and our communities.

But the tax system that funds these priorities is broken. We haven't modernized it to reflect our service-based economy.

We're failing to pay our bills, leaving the state with mountains of debt. In fact, Illinois will owe $6 billion to schools and providers of critical services by June 30.

As a result - and because of the crushing national recession - the state faces a massive deficit of $13 billion for the fiscal year that begins July 1. That's fueling talk of more devastating budget cuts, on top of the more than $1 billion in cuts we made this year.

Yet polling shows taxpayers understand a problem this big can't be solved by cuts alone.

The solution is a balanced approach that includes not only spending controls, but modernization of the state's out-of-date tax structure and strengthening of measures to protect struggling families, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and property-tax credit.

All of us should join those 15,000 fellow Illinoisans to tell our representatives and senators that only balanced revenue reforms will put our state and its residents back on track toward fiscal stability and prosperity.

Kathy Ryg

President

Voices for Illinois Children

Chicago