Dupage Policy Journal

Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Westmont) is more disappointed than surprised that Democrats are talking about the progressive tax again.

"I am never surprised when Springfield Democrats want more tax dollars," Mazzochi told the DuPage Policy Journal. "Am I disappointed that they are discussing raising taxes when the population just said no to the constitutional amendment to raise taxes? Yes."

House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch (D-Hillside) recently said that Democrats are considering reviving the progressive tax plan that voters rejected in November. The progressive plan increases taxes on the state's wealthiest residents.

If a proposal comes to fruition, Welch hopes a vow that tax revenues generated will be used to pay down the state's $141 billion in unfunded pension liability will make the difference.

Mazzochi insists she's heard it all before.

"Illinois got an income tax in the 1970s because Springfield promised the new taxes would be used to pay off pension debt," she said. "That never happened, and every time Springfield raises taxes, we see more new spending, not paying down debt."

Mazzochi said the only way to truly tackle the problem is by lawmakers making structural changes that lead to reforms.

"Without honesty about the problem, better structural discipline and an end to insider deals in favor of transparency and including all sides in the budget process, you'll get more kicking the can down the road," she said. "We are now paying 40% of our education dollars towards teacher pensions, not classrooms. That is unsustainable."

Mazzochi said it's no wonder voters have come to have such little faith in Springfield.

"They have been treated unfairly, spoken to dishonestly, and their resources spent haphazardly for nearly 50 years," she said. "And even when they vote no, what will they get, but the same poor solution repackaged untruthfully."