CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- A discussion of Illinois’ budget problems, partly moderated by WBBM’s Craig Dellimore, raised questions about what the state is doing right—and wrong—about raising revenue.
Ralph Martire, Director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, said if Illinois voters had ratified the Graduated Income Tax the legislature approved last year, the state would have nearly $4 billion more in its general fund.
However, House Speaker Emmanuel Chris Welch stopped short of telling the CTBA symposium he’s ready for another try. He said the voters have spoken strongly.
"They were pretty resounding in their message last November on the Fair Tax question, but I think we do have to go back to the drawing board."
Bloomington Republican State Representative Dan Brady said lawmakers need to take the voters’ message to heart.
"Until you can show us you're doing with the money we send you what you're supposed to and you're prioritizing that, we're not going to be sending more of our money.
Brady and others said the aim must be to earn the voters’ trust.
Related
