Don’t bail out state with local funds

Illinois voters overwhelmingly oppose efforts in Springfield to funnel hundreds of millions of dollars from local communities to help pay down the state’s budget deficit, according a recent statewide poll. More than 80 percent of Illinois voters said the state should return the funds as required under current state law, while just over 12 percent preferred that the state keep the funds and just over 7 percent were uncertain.

“The poll clearly demonstrates that Illinois voters will not tolerate lawmakers taking money from their communities”, said Northwest Municipal Conference President Kerry Cummings, also Glenview village president. “Pilfering these funds amounts to a ‘Stealth Tax’ on Illinois residents.”

The We Ask America poll surveyed 2,970 households in Illinois, with 88 percent rejecting paying higher property taxes or cutting local services to pay down the state deficit.

One proposal in the General Assembly seeks to eliminate $300 million in local funding while another targets the entire $1 billion local share. Instituted in 1969, the fund guarantees municipalities a share of income tax receipts for local services. The legislature’s stealth tax is another financial blow to communities already feeling the pain of the recent 66 percent income tax increase and simply shifts the state’s burden onto municipal and county governments.

Cities, villages and counties have made significant sacrifices during these tough economic times; slashing programs, curbing services, delaying projects and laying off workers. Meanwhile, local leaders across Illinois have been identifying how the cuts would impact their individual communities and are preparing for reductions if state lawmakers succeed diverting this dedicated revenue as a bailout.

I ask all residents to contact their state legislators instructing them to reject any proposal that would eliminate any portion of state income tax revenue set aside for local governments.

Frank Saverino Sr.

Mayor, Carol Stream