We’re taxed enough already.
May 24, 2016
Springfield – State Sen. Kyle McCarter is leading the way with a balanced budget compromise combining true budget reforms and no new taxes.
Sen. McCarter (R-Lebanon) said his plan is a balanced approach that incorporates ideas and proposals from legislators and the Governor’s office.
“Enough is enough. We have a moral and fiscal obligation to the people of Illinois to pass a balanced budget,” said McCarter. “The time for finger pointing is over. With just eight days left in the scheduled spring session and after more than a year arguing over a Fiscal Year 2016 budget, I have an obligation to put forward the best solution possible to benefit the people of Illinois. The previous tax increase was shameful, robbing working families of two weeks pay. All we got was the exodus of over 200,000 taxpayers from our state. It must not be repeated.”
Under McCarter’s proposal;
- The Fiscal Year 2017 is balanced and includes real reforms with actual dollar savings and no tax increase.
- Protects Education and Human Services, holding to current funding levels.
- Provides sound and affordable pensions by shifting the pension burden to local districts and universities in exchange for procurement reform and mandate relief, providing ample savings to handle the seven-year phased-in shift.
- Portable, affordable and constitutional 401-K retirement savings plan for all future employees.
- Workers’ Compensation Reform dealing with public employees and non-profits.
- $ 3.578 Billion in savings which comprises 83% of the funding gap.
“This is a responsible plan. It shows the people of Illinois that government cares enough to tell them the truth about our finances,” said McCarter. “We cannot continue to spend more money than we collect in tax revenue. Budget waste, fraud and abuse is an insult to taxpayers so the necessary reforms this plan contains makes government more efficient, more effective and more responsible and respectful to taxpayers.”
The 54th District Senator said revitalizing the economy and restoring confidence in a state government that serves rather than hinders can renew the promise of prosperity and opportunity for everyone. He acknowledges that because of politics, the idea of efficient and accountable government is often more easily stated than actually getting the support needed to make it happen, but McCarter said it’s worth the effort.
“Most families and business owners would agree that we should stop spending money we don’t have; that we should cut wasteful spending and reform state government to make it more responsive and less of a burden. I think it’s time to expect more of government and less of taxpayers,” said McCarter.
“State Government has neglected its financial house for too long,” said McCarter. “Now, we are facing a very tough situation. This budget is not the easy way out. Difficult choices lie ahead, but Illinois families and employers make difficult choices all the time to adjust to financial realities. We should expect no less from state government. We have been taxed enough.”
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