Most will pay same or less

A song that only us old-timers remember says: "There's nothing surer, the rich get richer, the poor get poorer." That's never been truer in our nation, where the gap continues to grow at an obscene pace. A Washington Post writer recently noted that, of all the industrialized nations, we have the highest level of income inequality.

For over 100 years, the federal government has imposed graduated income tax rates, and 32 states do likewise. It's not a perfect system. The super rich pay tax accountants to do nothing but scope out loopholes that will enable them to pay at the lowest rate possible. Dollarwise, Warren Buffett pays much more than his secretary. But Buffett, who advocates for higher taxes on the rich, notes that he pays a much smaller percentage of his income than his secretary.

Opponents of Illinois' proposed fair tax amendment protest that some regular folks, such as small business owners, will pay more than they now do. Maybe. But if our lawmakers do their job diligently, there can be provisions for marginal groups and individuals. The bottom line is that about 95% of Illinois taxpayers will pay the same or less.

Critics of big government say that if we give more money to lawmakers they will find ways to spend it. A fair complaint. It's the nature of the beast. But the fact is that many worthy programs and services in Illinois may flounder if our state fails to get its finances under control.

Increased taxes are the only way that will happen. We can do it on the backs of the working poor and the average Joe and Jane who work a 40-hour, 5-day week. Or we can require the wealthiest of our population to pay their fair share.

You decide.

Dan McGuire

Bensenville