Policy Documents  Illinois Cannot Afford Governor Quinn’s Budget
March 25, 2009  Tough decisions are a part of governing, and
Illinois’ $11.5 billion budget shortfall will undoubtedly force
many of them. The governor and other advocates of raising taxes
as well as spending ignore the fact that these are the same
tactics that resulted in the current budget problem.  Instead of
creating a leaner and more transparent government, Quinn’s new
budget relies on billions of dollars in tax and fee hikes on
drivers, incomes, businesses, and tobacco users. His plan takes
more money out of the economy where it would otherwise be
invested—to start or grow businesses or hire more employees—or
spent by consumers.  Raising taxes on income (hurts working
families), cigarettes (hurts low-income Illinoisans), and
businesses (kills jobs) will open the flood gates for even more
jobs and productive residents to leave the state. The state
already has the 14th highest tax burden in the nation, which has
contributed to its weak GDP