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Last month I sent you a message asking whether I had your permission to raise the income tax either with or without property tax relief.
Having sent out over 5000 e-mails I’m happy to report nearly 500 of you responded. Thanks to all who had the courage to step up and be counted on such an important issue.
Now for the results: A clear majority, upwards of 61%, desired property tax relief even if they thought they would pay a higher income tax. Predictably, state workers and teachers – whose responses I did not include, were overwhelmingly in support of the income tax increase under either scenario. Their votes not withstanding there seems to be widespread support in the district for tax reform namely property tax relief.
As I stated in my earlier message, and have always maintained, before we look to increase taxes, the General Assembly must first consider spending cuts and property tax relief.
On May 30th the Illinois Senate passed HB 174, a balanced budget solution providing long awaited tax reform. Under the plan, as promised, we first made$2 billion in responsible, well-reasoned, cuts accompanied by a doubling of the property tax credit from 5% to 10%. This will provide $700 million in property tax relief to the people of Illinois. In addition, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) was tripled from 5% to 15% of the federal EITC and the standard state income tax exemption was increased from $2,000 to $3,000. Furthermore, the Senate doubled the education expense credit from $500 to $1000. This is real tax relief for those needing it most!
Perhaps you’ve heard that the governor wants the General Assembly to return to Springfield to pass a budget he can sign. Please know this: The Senate has already passed a balanced budget solution – one that not only provides for our short-term needs but achieves true long-term budget stability. It is now up to the House of Representatives to do the same. Please call your State Representatives and ask them to call House Bill 174 and to vote ‘yes’ for meaningful tax relief and reform.
Senator Michael Noland
Illinois’ 22nd District
For about four months, bus drivers in Carpentersville have patiently waited an answer from the Village Board as to whether they could park their buses at their homes between routes.
On Tuesday night, the Village Board said “no”, instead opting only for a change in the ordinance that would increase the allowable GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) for vehicles parked in residential neighborhoods.
The amendment now allows for vehicles having a GVWR of up to 10,000 lbs to be parked overnight in residents’ driveways. However, vehicles with a GVWR between 8,001 and 10,000 lbs will require a higher priced Village sticker.
According to the Courier News, Village Attorney Jim Rhodes presented six options to the Board for consideration, including one to allow bus drivers to park their vehicles at their homes. But, according to the Courier, the Board rejected that option primarily because “area school districts vetoed that option last month because of insurance liability”.
So, that wraps up the majority of what has consumed the Board for the last several months.
I do want to give some kudos to the Village for moving quickly to do some surface improvements along Huntley Rd. It was horrible and a real embarrassment.
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