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Legislative update – Governor proposes positive tax reform but cuts human services

April 6, 2009

Illinois has one of the most regressive tax systems in the country – meaning that those with the least ability to pay end up paying more than their fair share of taxes.  For families with low-incomes, this creates a challenging and often impossible balancing act to pay for basic needs, such as food, housing, and health care. 

In his fiscal year 2010 budget proposal, Governor Quinn took the bold step of including tax reform that takes important steps toward improving tax fairness in Illinois by reducing the high tax burden placed on the poor.  However, the same proposal includes harmful cuts to the programs and services that vulnerable people across the state rely on to make ends meet – programs such as supportive housing, mental health and addictions treatment, homeless youth services, and refugee social services. 

In the midst of a national recession and a sizable state budget deficit, now is not the time to cut programs and services that are critical to the well-being of our state. Not only do we stand to lose a significant amount of federal matching funds as a result of proposed cuts, strategic investments are necessary to protect the most vulnerable by strengthening families, communities and the state's economy overall. Every Illinoisan will need to be involved in the recovery of our economy. That means we need to stabilize families - through housing, vital supports, human services - so that they can be a part of rebuilding Illinois. While we applaud the Governor for including much needed tax reform that will improve tax fairness and raise revenues to meet current needs, we know that men, women, and children throughout the state are struggling.

The Governor's proposal now moves to the General Assembly where members will begin their work to move toward a final budget. In the coming weeks and months, Heartland Alliance will work to build support for fair and sustainable tax reform within the legislature and urge members to include funding for critical human services programs in the final budget. 

 

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