Opinion

Up to Madigan to bless tax increase

Posted January 02, 2011 10:00 pm

Men like State Sen. Michael Noland with fortitude and intelligence to take a risky political move to advocate an increase from 3 to 5 percent in our state income tax are rare! He won, knowing he and others, including Gov. Pat Quinn, and despite the inept thinking of his opponent of not being truthful on the need for the state income tax increase.

What is the big abnegate is Speaker of the House Michael Madigan. This absolutely needed state increase is being blocked by this one man. As Speaker, he has the legal power to decide what legislation will be allowed on the House floor. Senate President Dan Cullerton is for an increase and HB174 is in place as of spring 2010.

There will be deductions presented to both bodies of certain state programs, but a state income tax is crucial to our state survival. The only other option is bankruptcy. Education funds, senior and social services are at risk. Unthinkable, but Speaker Madigan is the one who can make it happen. I wish he could be impeached by his constituency in his district. Possible!

M. Barry Birchfield

Elgin

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