Now, let's quietly debate legitimate expenses

I want to express appreciation to the Illinois lawmakers who had the courage to step up and vote to override Governor Rauner's budget veto that would have brought a 3rd fiscal year without a budget.

Illinois, at least for the time being, will not fall into junk bond status, which would have meant increased borrowing costs to pay for items that even the governor apparently does not object to. At the same time schools, social services, and the economy of the state in general would continue to suffer without a budget.

Yes, state income taxes will go up from 3.75 to 4.95 percent. We have had this before in years 2011 till just recently. And yes, corporate taxes will go up to 7 percent. However, freezing property taxes as advocated by the governor is not "reform." It is simply an avoidance of a discussion of what constitutes legitimate expenses. Until we can quietly have this discussion there will be no progress on the structural changes that are badly needed for Illinois.

Sandy Spiegel

Geneva