GRT gets headlines while Madigan plays with HB750
Phil Kadner at the Daily Southtown has the scoop that I haven't seen anywhere else.
The Illinois House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations -- Elementary and Secondary Education is expected to hold a public hearing today on House Bill 750.
This is a measure that would change the way public schools are funded by increasing the state income tax from 3 percent to 5 percent....
Lots of good stuff in his column. Last year Speaker Madigan didn't let this tax increase go anywhere even after a Senate committee approved it. Now he's apparently allowing a House committee vote on it, which should raise more than a few eyebrows. Blago's gross receipts tax and new 3% payroll tax are horrible, but HB750/SB750 is also bad.
Not that I think they are smart enough to pull it off, but it almost looks like Madigan and Blagojevich are working together to make sure some form of tax increase is passed this year. Blago proposing the awful gross receipts tax sure does make HB750/SB750 look a lot better in comparison and sets HB750/SB750 up to be a compromise. Watch your wallets and call your Reps.
If it's voted on in committee today I'm going to be very curious to see how Republican Reps. Eddy and Prtichard vote, both of whom have not ruled out support of an income tax increase.
