More and more taxes are not the answer

Illinois has the honor of being the worst-managed state in the nation. Democrats and so-called "Republicans" have caused these financial issues over the last multiple decades and with J.B. Pritzker's raising of taxes on gas and other multiple items come July 1, Illinois will continue it's desire to push people and businesses from the state.

Democrats have never seen a tax increase they didn't like, while continuing their reckless and inept spending - now claiming these new taxes are reinvestments into Illinois infrastructure projects, ones neglected for dozens of years by Madigan and all the other Democrats who sit within the legislative branch.

Contrary to what liberals believe, raising taxes does not increase revenue to the government. In fact, raising taxes alters the behavior of those being taxed, reducing collected revenue to the government. One can see Jimmy Carter's dismal presidency as an example.

Up and coming for the future is the progressive income tax rate … a system that punishes anyone who works harder to get ahead. One works harder only to lose more income to increased taxes. How does this incentivize anyone to try and better his position financially? It's absurd to hear the media and Democrats say this is a fair tax. Fair means everyone pays the same percentage - fair does not mean punishing hard work.

Stepben Phillips

Libertyville