Solve spending problem first

After reading the Daily Herald's Editorial Board opinion piece on the concept of a graduated income tax, I arrived at the most critical conclusion: Illinois must first address its decades of out-of-control spending, along with the corruption that pervades our state government. Illinois has a spending problem, even though it is one of the highest taxed states in the country. The politicians in Springfield must discipline themselves to be responsible, ethical stewards with the money received from its citizens and taxpayers. Until these problems are addressed, Illinois cannot solve this perpetual cycle of "tax-and-spend", and the unscrupulous reputation that Illinois is well-known for. Our state government must first undergo a serious and complete "house cleaning" before its voters are asked on a ballot to change the state's Constitution regarding taxation. I am urging Illinois voters to vote no on the proposed amendment.

Karel L. Jones

Pingree Grove