Tax hike would avert housing tragedy
The state of Illinois is facing a dire economic situation compounded by the current recession and by the fiscal irresponsibility of the previous administration.
The state has an $11.5 billion deficit and if nothing is done to increase revenue, programs that serve the poor will likely be eliminated. Not only will this not balance the budget, it will also cause hardship to our poorest and force impossible burdens on our struggling safety net of emergency services.
In Lake County, more than 117 people live in supportive housing and more than 7,000 people are on a waiting list for Section 8 and public affordable housing with services attached. Supportive housing is more cost-efficient than having someone homeless on the street.
If service funding to these supportive housing units is slashed, residents will become homeless again, forced into expensive emergency services to survive. The effects will ripple throughout this community and every other community across the state, putting our most vulnerable citizens at risk.
During the seven-month period of Oct. 1, 2008 to April 30, 2009, PADS Crisis Services provided shelter to more than 14,000 men, women and children. If the population of the emergency shelters continues to increase, more funding will be needed for them to operate, and it will not be the answer to our homeless problem. Housing solves homelessness, and supportive services keep people housed.
The only answer to this dilemma is to increase the revenue coming into Illinois. Illinois currently has one of the lowest income tax rates in the nation. Each one of us must be willing to give a little more to care for our elderly and struggling neighbors. An increase of our state income tax from 3 percent to 4.5 percent will not impose an unreasonable burden. It will give critical help for food, shelter and medical services to Illinois families, seniors, veterans and vulnerable populations.
Join us in supporting this emergency increase in the Illinois State Income Tax. Illinois is a proud and caring state. Together we can address this fiscal crisis in a humane and responsible way.
Cedric D. Lee president, Lake County Homeless Coalition