Senator Bush weighs in on governor’s budget plan

SPRINGFIELD­— State Senator Melinda Bush issued the following statements after the governor’s budget address today.

“Any long-term financial solution needs to focus on creating a strong Illinois economy through proven economic development strategies. Our goal should be to create more good paying jobs in Illinois so that our budget problems take care of themselves,” Senator Bush said.

“I am committed to working with my colleagues, constituents and the business community to continue to improve job creation across the suburbs and the economy throughout Illinois.”

Gov. Pat Quinn outlined two paths for the state in his budget speech on Wednesday.

One involved deep cuts to state services in order to cope with the decline in tax rates at the end of the year. If that happens, education, public safety and every other part of state government would be cut by roughly 20 percent, which would likely trigger local property tax increases, early release of thousands of inmates and the end of programs that help seniors live independently in their homes.

The governor’s other, recommended path calls for keeping tax rates where they are to maintain funding for priority programs for children, seniors and public safety, while also offering a modest form of tax relief in a $500 rebate check to homeowners.

Senator Bush said she plans to talk to people in her district to get a feel for where they stand on these crucial issues.

However, she noted that there is a third option that the governor ignored in his speech.

A proposed constitutional amendment would change the state’s outdated tax system to a more modern and fair graduated income tax similar to what most of our surrounding states use. Senator Bush is among the lawmakers who would like to see the proposal put on the ballot this fall.

 “I’d like to think that the voters would have the opportunity to decide this issue,” Bush said.