Don't fall for state budget gimmicks

Are we that dumb?

Gov. Pat Quinn and some legislators seem to think we are.

They think voters in Illinois will fall for populist budgetary gimmicks that politicians can tout during this election year but that our state cannot afford.

They think voters can, in effect, be bought off - appeased by measures that put a few bucks in our pockets right now so we'll overlook lawmakers' failure to deal with a $13 billion state budget shortfall and decimated education and social service payments.

We're likely to see such measures tossed into this week's renewed finagling in Springfield as lawmakers once again try to negotiate a budget that will keep the state operating for at least a few more months while not torpedoing their re-election chances come November.

One gimmick likely to resurface: an August sales tax holiday pushed by Quinn that would lop 5 percent off the tax on school clothes priced under $100, markers and pens, notebooks and backpacks, and other smaller-ticket school supplies (laptops not included).

You'd save $25 if you spend $500. Sure, it would cost the state another $50 million, but maybe it'll distract you from thinking about the state income tax hike that's very likely coming our way (but not until after the election).

There's another problem with the tax holiday proposal aside from the fact Illinois can't afford it. There's no means test, so those who can spend the most would save the most. The tax savings would amount to a small handful of coins for families scrimping to buy discount stores' 30-cent crayons and $7 jeans.

It all adds up to another example of the state spending money it doesn't have and pushing off problems to another day.

Sound familiar? Look to public transit's seniors-ride-free program, which gives people age 65 and older free bus, train and el rides.

Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich put it in place two years ago in trade for his support for a higher sales tax to fund mass transit. But the RTA estimates the free rides cost it $60 million a year.

Recently, while the House approved the sales tax holiday, the Senate voted to undo the free rides by making seniors with incomes over $41,415 pay half fares.

So goes Illinois' nonsensical approach to budgeting.

So, voters, let's not be bought off. Let's push for political leadership that sets real priorities for spending in our state. That tackles the hard decisions Illinois needs to begin making headway against the deficit. That puts our future ahead of their re-election campaigns.

And if our governor and legislature can't do that - remember, there's an election in November.