Judy Baar Topinka (Photo From Judy Baar Topinka Website)
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CBS) — Illinois keeps falling farther behind on its debt.
As WBBM Newsradio’s Regine Schlesinger reports, officially, the state has a backlog of more than $4.25 billion in unpaid bills.
LISTEN: WBBM Newsradio’s Regine Schlesinger reports
But Illinois State Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka says when one factors in other bills, the figure is closer to around $8.5 billion.
Those other outstanding bills include tax refunds, employee health insurance, and bills that have not yet reached her desk.
Topinka says this is extremely disappointing, since a year ago, the state sharply increased income taxes (by 67 percent) and corporate taxes.
“After the largest tax hike in our history, the state continues to be in this precarious fiscal position with persistent payment delays, and frankly, the situation is unlikely to significantly improve in the near term,” she said.
Some state officials say the solution is more borrowing to pay the bills, but Topinka says the solution is to cut spending.
336 Comments
The obvious solution is to throw Madigan, Cullerton and Quinn out of office so the insane waste and patronage money will stop. Anyone voting for any of these three should be disenfranchised immediately. TERM LIMITS OF ONE!!!
January 19, 2012 at 9:23 am
Call Scott Walker for some advice!!
January 19, 2012 at 10:23 pm
Ha! Ha ha ha ha.
You’re a moron…
January 20, 2012 at 9:19 am
Yes!! Gov. Walker is turning around Wisconsin’s fiscal disaster, in spite of Union Big Bucks (some of it coming in from Chicago), Most of my family and relatives live there and it is amazing what some changes have done already. I used to be a teacher there, forced to join the union and pay dues for something I didn’t believe in,, resented being told who to vote for, and supporting the Big Bosses expensive cars, houses, etc.
In spite of all the harassment, physical and mental, he and his family and his little retired lady next door have had to endure, he sticks to his principles and ideals to Forward Wisconsin. Already, it is paying off fiscally!
By the way, the paid union guys that came in from Chicago to protest and disrupt did nothing to improve Chicago’s image. That is sad because Chicago has a chance to change things, too, for the better, if they are brave enough to take it.
January 28, 2012 at 5:09 pm
When will these people learn that 67% of nothing is nothing. Nobody works in Illinois, they are all getting unemployment or on wellfare.
January 20, 2012 at 5:48 am
or “working” in governemt “jobs.”
January 20, 2012 at 11:27 am
How many people realize they are using State employee pension fund money to continue operations? Bye bye retirement.
January 20, 2012 at 6:15 am
The government employees are really going to get the shaft in the end. They took from taxpayers for so many years and enforced tax collection with tax leans, property confiscation and jail all for a safe job and a big money pension. . Karma is a bitsh.
January 20, 2012 at 7:38 am
Well, that is part of the solution. A better one would be to offer up their organs for sale to those in need. A kidney can bring a lot of money on the black market.
January 21, 2012 at 2:08 pm
Leave it to Quinn to give you a “hidden” tax on all sugar products – candy/soda – in 2009, a 65% tax hike in 2011, higher TOLL RATES in 2012, along with a spiraling economy, major deficit and companies leaving Illinois. We need someone like Scott Walker to come to Illinois!!
January 25, 2012 at 6:24 pm
The residents of Illinois were sold a bill of goods (we were flat out lied to) last year when our income taxes were raised, and the corporate tax rates were raised. We were told that those increases would solve this problem, but this is just the latest in a string of stories that I’ve read that state that the situation continues to get worse. Get rid of everyone, and I mean everyone, in Springfield and get people into those offices that know what they are doing, and aren’t afraid to make big decisions for fear of losing the next election. We need leaders in this state, not politicians.
January 19, 2012 at 9:26 am
you suckers keep voting in Democrats and this is what you will always get!
January 19, 2012 at 3:00 pm
“Government is a broker in pillage, and every election is a sort of advance auction in stolen goods.” ~ H. L. Mencken
—————- http://911essentials.com
January 19, 2012 at 3:25 pm
I love your comment. It’s the same situatio here in Massachusetts (or Taxachusetts)
January 19, 2012 at 3:48 pm
Sorry, this was meant for Brian. I love your comment. It’s the same situation here in Massachusetts (or Taxachusetts)
January 19, 2012 at 3:50 pm
The rest of the state votes Republican but Cook County overrules them with their huge base of corruption-supporting, racist, and communist voters.
January 19, 2012 at 4:41 pm
“It’s Bush’s fault.”
B.O.
January 19, 2012 at 5:34 pm
We here in CA are quickly going down the IL drain, too. Dems in charge of everything, and all they can think of is raising taxes and increasing spending. It’s insanity on steroids.
January 19, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Dumba$$es.
January 19, 2012 at 7:37 pm
Maybe the Democrats should raise taxes again- I’M sure it would work this time. Anybody with a brain should get out while they can.
January 19, 2012 at 8:24 pm
Brian is correct. You people of Illinois are serfs.
January 20, 2012 at 7:41 am
BINGO! Give that man a Cupie Doll…
January 20, 2012 at 10:49 am
But if I were poor I would get a free cell phone now and health care, too, thanks to Blago and Obummer. That’s a plus. Everybody knows that socialism is the future, right?
January 21, 2012 at 2:11 pm
They are only following the Democratic platform” Tax and Spend, Spend and spend till you drop”
January 19, 2012 at 3:36 pm
Spend and spend till you drop – no one has ever done it better than Bush Cheney
January 19, 2012 at 6:36 pm
Obozo and Peloser have already run up more debt in 3 years than Bush did in 8 years. Congratulations for being an idiot that still worships bigger idiots
January 19, 2012 at 6:56 pm
Texas and Florida are right-to-work states — business friendly and have no income tax.
Unions are not welcome.
Ever thought of moving ? You won’t spend most of your time bitiching about crooked democrats.
January 19, 2012 at 8:55 pm
0bama has created a larger deficiit in two years than Bush did eight. he did that and get more people on food stamps than anybody else in history. Don’t Democrats from 0bama to Reid to Pelosi to Durbin all agree that food stamps are the best way to create jobs?
January 19, 2012 at 10:02 pm
freecheese drooled the following “Texas and Florida are right-to-work states — business friendly and have no income tax.
Unions are not welcome.
Ever thought of moving ? You won’t spend most of your time bitiching about crooked democrats”.
Wow.
Folks, what we have here is a geniune idiot, a moron of the first degree.
Ol’ freecheese (that figures) is so stupid and dedicated to supporting the most crooked and destructive political mob in American history, the Democrat Party, that he rather tell people to shut up instead of dumping those losers.
Then again, only low IQ losers vote consistently for Democrats.
“freecheese”. That figures.
January 19, 2012 at 10:28 pm
And in November, 2012 the State of Illinois and the entire nation have a golden opportunity to correct the error of their ways. I smell a landslide.
January 20, 2012 at 7:48 am
Bush inherited an economy that was in the best shape of the last 50 years, and turned over to Obama an economy that was in a near depression. In the process Bush doubled the national debt. Obama has increased the national debt by about 25%, which ain’t bad for a near depression. Oh, and Reagan and Bush I quadrupled the national debt.
Republicans were insane enough to cut taxes in wartime. Greenspan advocated for the tax cut because he did not want the national debt paid off, because the social security surplus would have to be invested in the stock market, the biggest turn toward socialism you can think of.
Under Obama the private sector has gained over 2 million jobs, the public sector lost 600,000. You do the math.
January 21, 2012 at 3:13 pm
Well duh! By allowing them to hike taxes, you basically told a bunch of politicians that there’s no need to get their spending under control. You are chasing business and higher-earning individuals out of the state.
January 19, 2012 at 3:37 pm
Right as Rain! The idiots in Sacramento are doing the same thing to the State of California! Hmm, what do these two states have in common . . could it be that both are controlled by Democrat machines? If you want a single party state, you get the consequences: Nobody ever says NO.
BTW, what is with this tawdry web page displaying undressed women along the left side of the page? Is this an American newspaper or a British tabloid?
January 19, 2012 at 3:53 pm
It’s not so mauch the democratic machine, it’s the socoist liberal machine. As long as the dem party is run from the far left and not the center nothing will change. Except you bank account.
January 20, 2012 at 9:22 am
That is because you cannot tax a problem away. There is a little thing called the Laffer curve. You can only tax so much, before those that are getting hit hardest will either quit working or move. Illinois has killed its capitalists and will now suffer like NYC and California do.
January 19, 2012 at 4:14 pm
John Gault is close to calling a nation wide STRIKE!
January 19, 2012 at 6:07 pm
Illinois is Michigan in the making, but it will not take as long as it did for Michigan, or California, for that matter.
January 19, 2012 at 8:11 pm
Unbelievable! Since when has a tax increase EVER solved a problem? NEVER. Government is like a human cancer. It just grows bigger and bigger unless it is STOPPED. By allowing these tax increases, you only made the government and the problems worse. And this is exactly why I’m not for taxing the “rich” (which is really the middle and upper middle class)–that money won’t go to pay down the debt; it will just go to growing government and making things worse. I’m just glad I don’t live in Illinois because if I did, I would be moving out!
January 19, 2012 at 5:13 pm
I was and I did. Life is so much better in VA.
January 20, 2012 at 9:25 am
When did a tax increase ever solve a problem? During war time. Oh, yeah, we had two wars didn’t we under Bush.
When did a tax increase ever solve a problem? Reagan raised taxes and his recovery began. Bush I raised taxes and his recovery began. Clinton started out with a tax increase and had the biggest economic growth since WWII. That and the second longest string of balanced budgets in the 20th century.
Bush II started out with tax cuts, and ran the economy into the ground, and doubled the debt, and ran the debt up to nearly 90% of GDP.
The rich are *NOT* the middle class, that claim was idiotic. The median family income in the $50k/yr does not nearly equal the top 5% of over $200k/yr, or the top 1% of over 300K/yr, or the millions a year Romney makes while paying 15% in taxes. What’s your rate?
Look at the balance the budget interactive feature…
http://www.snipurl.com/nytfixthebudget
The budget can be balanced with very little in cuts, and just moderate tax increases. But tax increases are the necessary part, and tax increases on the rich are a major part of that.
January 21, 2012 at 3:22 pm
Sounds like a recall vote to me. Wonder if the media or president would back that.
January 19, 2012 at 5:34 pm
Move — believe it or not, there are still a few states that do not levy income taxes — and —drum roll— they are all doing quite well, thanks you very much. But, you may have trouble finding a seat on the bus headed out of town — quite an exodus of the productive citizens from your state getting out of dodge ASAP
January 19, 2012 at 6:06 pm
Hmmm. Voters sold a pack of lies that separated them from even more of their money – all to no avail? Your state is solid Democrat. Ya think maybe THAT has something to do with the fiscal crisis? Wanna see your future with continued one-party rule? Its about 285 miles NE – DETROIT. That’s where Chicago is heading.
January 19, 2012 at 6:32 pm
What???!!!
Politicians LIED to the public, the public bought the lies AND voted for these politicians and their ballot issues???!!! AND, this happened in ILLINOIS???!!!
PLEEEEEEEEEEASE! HOW MUCH LONGER ARE YOU PEOPLE GOING TO CONTINUE THE RIDE ON THIS MERRY-GO-ROUND AND FEIGN SHOCK AND STUPIDITY?????!!!!!
Democrat or Republican – the ride still ends the same way and the scenery WILL NEVER change until everyone gets off the merry-go-round once and for all, stops yelling “get rid of all of them!” after every election while never changing or expanding their own thinking or how they actually vote, and stops expecting someone else to do something about it! Get off your own a$$ and BE the leader you want!!!
January 19, 2012 at 6:34 pm
Let’s look at the financial condition of some of the most liberal “havens” in America where the Democrats have ruled unchallenged for eons; Detroit, Chicago, California. All three are crumbing under their weight of debt which they might never escape.
How we doing at the national level? Well, Obama is about to push us over the $16 trillion in debt figure. I shudder to think what he’d do with 4 more years. $25 trillion in national debt?
January 19, 2012 at 6:51 pm
Democrats . . .what do you expect? Keep putting them in office to protect you from those ‘evil’ Republicans. Remember “Democrats are for the little guy” Yeah, right. Will people ever learn?
January 19, 2012 at 7:05 pm
PG, do you live in Chicago?
January 19, 2012 at 8:11 pm
If you like unprotected painful intercourse, vote Democratic every time! You’ll get used to it over time. The Europeans did. LOL!
January 20, 2012 at 5:19 am
And whose fault was it that the believed these morons? Don’t blame the lying Democrats, blame the ignorant Democrat voters.
January 20, 2012 at 7:21 am
The problem in the party is most think of the party as in the CENTER of issues. The party is made up of two side. The center (blue dogs) and the far far left liberals. The the lib’s out of your party and I will come back.
January 20, 2012 at 9:29 am
Is it a lie if you stick your head in the sand and go along with it? I mean, if people in these blue states would use their brain or take a basic economics course at a community college – they would know this taxation model doesn’t work. When you over-tax something you get less of that activity. It’s very simple. That’s why when you raise cigarette or alcohol taxes the revenues drop. People reduce or quit their consumption of those things. It’s NOT hard to understand if you use your freaking brain!
January 20, 2012 at 8:28 am
Depends on the community and now communist the economic professor is. They may not even learn anything other than how capitalism is evil and so it the United States.
January 20, 2012 at 8:57 am
Depends on the community and how communist the economics professor is. They may not even learn anything other than how capitalism is evil and so it the United States.
January 20, 2012 at 9:01 am
Pretty soon the only ones living in Illinois will be an ex-president and other has been politicians. What’s keeping you there anyway? The money makers are leaving right now.
January 20, 2012 at 8:36 am
I agree with you. I know people here in Pekin not working & living off the state.
January 20, 2012 at 12:47 pm
To all you folks in Illinois – keep voting in Democrats…. its seems to working just fine
January 20, 2012 at 9:15 pm
How about reducing the public sector headcount and reducing the pay by a minimum of 20% of the public sector which is immensely bloated and over compensated as a start to pay the bills..it seems that there is no operational competency in this entire public sector just tax increases …
January 19, 2012 at 9:51 am
If you are a complete failure in the private sector, go into the public sector and you will be a Manager of something making $80k/year!
January 19, 2012 at 10:02 am
January 19, 2012 at 3:39 pm
Like Jim! Doin’ nothing for 80 + K of the Taxpayers money. Correct?
January 19, 2012 at 3:42 pm
Mo’ Money, mo’ problems! :)
Quinn and the wonderful Democrats in this state have no problems finding ways to spend “new money”. At least we have companies like Sears, CME, Caterpillar, etc. paying their share of taxes to the state!
January 19, 2012 at 10:01 am
Mmm… wasn’t Sears, Caterpillar and CME given tax breaks and other concessions to assure those companies stay in Illinois? Why haven’t they paid their fair share over the many decades?
January 19, 2012 at 10:30 am
I’m thinking if those companies are in Illinois and providing jobs to the people of Illinois then get off those companies backs. No wonder Illinois is in trouble with thinking like that.
January 19, 2012 at 2:49 pm
Oh yes it must be private industry that has ruined Illinois. Sears is treading water – Caterpillar will either go under or what’s more likely – they will move to a right to work state and leave the dirty political waters of Illinois behind. Chicago should take a good look at Detroit if it wants to see into it’s future. Your state is doomed and you have to thank the voters for putting in power some of the biggest weasels to ever live. (appologies to the weasels).
January 19, 2012 at 2:59 pm
Not sure why a decent company would stay in Illinois. The tax environment is better elsewhere. Illinois will look like Michigan in a decade.
January 19, 2012 at 3:09 pm
Raising taxes on businesses only hurts the workers in the long run. You’re just shifting the corps to pay a bigger tax bill by decreasing worker or workers pay, so in the end the tax revenue will be neutral. You’re just getting a a higher tax percentage from a smaller tax base.
It doesn’t require a doctorate in economics to understand the benefits of a wider tax base, but then the dems couldn’t play the class warfare game as effectively.
These states need to concentrate on controlling their spending and stop acting like little Greek city states!
January 19, 2012 at 3:24 pm
Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but COMPANIES AND CORPS DON’T PAY TAXES. That cost just gets added into the price of the good that the Average Guy has to pay for them.
Sure they “pay” them, but they pass the “savings” on to the final consumer.
January 19, 2012 at 4:18 pm
The Democrats complain about paying your fair share but raising taxes never works. If they want to know why good paying American jobs are going overseas, its because the US has the highest corporate tax rate in the World for industrialized Nations. Four more years of Obama and the Democrats and America will look like Cuba, without the view. The same thing that’s happening to California is coming to America if the Democrats get reelected. The stupid Media is leading the way and must pay the price. Turn off your TV’s and stop the papers. Internet is the best source. Now the brilliant Democrats want to regulate profits of oil and gas companies. How about we regulate the spending of Democrats in Congress.
January 19, 2012 at 10:11 pm
Sears will be bankrupt in two years. Just like Illinois.
January 20, 2012 at 5:20 am
Why haven’t they paid their “fair share” ???? Using Liberal Democrat talking points and phrases will get you nowhere. Haven’t you figured out what the problem is yet? Typical Socialistic Lib.
January 20, 2012 at 8:40 am
What a fare share? I year it’s one thing and the next it is something else. You can’t keep beating on business because of bad fiscal management. Why do you think they head out of country? It is not because of worker pay. It is the EPA and government over reach. Get it yet?
January 20, 2012 at 9:33 am
Isint sears going bankrupt? Opps no they are closing 120 stores thats right. Great work Ill
January 19, 2012 at 3:38 pm
Sears is going bankrupt! Good luck with your tax base in Illinois, suckas’!!
January 19, 2012 at 4:40 pm
Well we had to rasie the taxes again. but don’t cut anything and get more money to the poor.
January 19, 2012 at 10:09 am
No country or state has EVER taxed themselves into prosperity
January 19, 2012 at 2:32 pm
That is too much money to pay to the state of illinois.
People and business should move.
January 19, 2012 at 2:39 pm
We’ll be happy to have Cat. Sears and all other businesses move here to Texas. The economy is good. We’re still drilling for gas and oil. Todays high was 76 degrees and it’s 63 at 10:15 pm. The only stipulation is don’t come down here and start voting for Democrats.
January 19, 2012 at 10:15 pm
That’s what the braindead Californians did when they invaded Colorado.
Brought their despicable liberalism with them, and all but destroyed the state.
Wish they’d move into Alabama and Georgia…. we have lots of trees and rope….
January 19, 2012 at 10:32 pm
The CEO
January 20, 2012 at 6:25 am
The CEO of CAT has already sent a letter to Gov. Quinn showing offers from the governors of Indiana, Tennessee, and Texas offering incentives to move to their states. He told the Governor that at the end of the day, he had to do what is right for his stockholders.
January 20, 2012 at 6:29 am
I want to know how much revenue went up after the tax increase both in real dollars and as a percentage of the budget.
January 19, 2012 at 2:44 pm
Revenues DIDN’T go up. Most taxes end up reducing the flow of revenue to the state coffers. But Democrats don’t see money or taxes like the rest of us. Tax policy isn’t about revenue; its about “fairness,” Just ask Mr. Obama. Those are HIS words, not mine.
January 19, 2012 at 6:36 pm
Mr. Obama and the blind followers of Keynesian Economics would simply say that Ill. just didn’t raise taxes enough.
Come on, if the tax payer can has enough money for bread, they just aren’t being taxed enough!
Here is a clue. IT DOESN’T WORK! Keynesian Economics never has and never will work. Dump your oppressively large government beast and let the free market run wild. You will have surpluses sooner than you could say “Bob’s your uncle”
January 19, 2012 at 2:47 pm
Yeah, but then you couldn’t feel virtuous about giving away other people’s money to the welfare bums – both corporate and individual.
January 19, 2012 at 3:40 pm
With Obama, isn’t it “Kenya Economics”?
Pa pa Ooooh Mowl Mowl,
Pa pa Ooooh Mowl Mowl,
Pa pa Ooooh Mowl Mowl,
Pa pa Ooooh Mowl Mowl
January 19, 2012 at 10:35 pm
You could try doing what Scott Walker did in WI. Much of the 3.5 billion budget hole in WI was closed by ending the corrupt deals the unions got from their Democrat buddies. Example, a union owned company had to provide the health insurance coverage for state employees. Naturally they charged unbelievably high, above market, rates.
I bet IL is full of corrupt deals like that. It won’t be easy, but ending the corrupt gravy train between politicians and their special interests is the way to go.
January 19, 2012 at 2:47 pm
Unfortunately, the entire national Dem power machine is coming down hard on Scott Walker with their recall effort. They are trying to intimidate any politician who tries to do what is right when it comes to restricting unions that have gotten out of control and are harming the nation.
January 19, 2012 at 4:43 pm
Kestrel Aircraft Moving to Wisconsin from Maine
How many business are moving to Illinois?
January 20, 2012 at 6:46 am
They figired if they raise the taxes then they will increase revenue – however people who can – are voting against this with their feet by moving to less oppressive states. Some are closing their businesses and opening up in more favorable conditions. Anyone left will have less money to spend so the economy tanks even more – this tax tactic has been tried over and over and has always failed. Time to take an ax to big government and slash slash slash – because it is only going to get worse. A corrupt state – like a ponzi scheme can only continue so long before it implodes
January 19, 2012 at 2:48 pm
Every American needs to read this article and see that you cannot tax your way out of debt. The higher Illinois raises taxes, the more in debt they get and still want more. The Democrats methods are bankrupting the Nation. They keep raising taxes and just increase spending instead of cutting spending. What you have on a state level the Democrats are creating on a National level. We must remove the Democrats from Office or soon our economy will collapse. The Unions and people in Wisconsin and Ohio who are trying to recall their governors should be embarrassed. Scott Walker has already gotten Wisconsin out of debt and has a surplus, but the Democrats won’t listen. The Democrat Party is destroying the Country to enrich the party while lying to the American people along the way. DEMOCRAT=COMMUNIST
January 19, 2012 at 9:59 pm
“Average Guy
Mmm… wasn’t Sears, Caterpillar and CME given tax breaks and other concessions to assure those companies stay in Illinois? Why haven’t they paid their fair share over the many decades?”
I agree. All those companies should pay 100% of their income in taxes. That would simultaneously: (i) show them who’s boss; (ii) teach those dirty profit-making capitalists a lesson; and (iii) give the State all the money it needs, like, forever.
Until, of course, they move to South Carolina or Texas. Then we’ll kinda take it in the shorts.
January 19, 2012 at 2:51 pm
yeah, as if you will still have your shorts…
January 19, 2012 at 2:58 pm
Every state employee making over 100,000 a year, needs to take a pay cut of 10,000 (or even more) which should save money for other things like streets and services and thereby, making jobs for citizens so they can pay taxes. You can’t tell me that these state employees can’t live on 90,000 a year until this horrible mess gets cleaned up no matter who is to blame. 90,000 a year divided by 52 weeks out of the year, equals you do the matt!! And something else to consider, do they pay towards their own health insurance or do tax payers pay the bill??
January 19, 2012 at 2:53 pm
Here’s a really off the wall solution….REDUCE the cost of government to match the amount of income you have to spend….since RAISING taxes to try and cover inflated spending didn’t work.
I know the very thought is like Kryptonite to Democrats.
January 19, 2012 at 2:53 pm
Vote Democrat and invite problems.
Hellinois deserves what it gets for doing so.
January 19, 2012 at 2:54 pm
Wow is this state in a sad situation.
January 19, 2012 at 2:55 pm
Very often increased tax rates don’t increase revenue. Liberals just don’t seem to understand this. Lower tax rates OFTEN do increase revenues. (Look what happened in New Zealand a while back.)
But this blind desire for increased tax rates, in the face of evidence that actual revenue may be flat or even lower, may indicate a more punitive reasons for these rates.
Connect the dots. Perhaps a lower level of economic activity, higher rates of unemployment, increased dependency, even lower carbon emissions, are what is desired.
What other conclusion can be drawn?
January 19, 2012 at 2:57 pm
Do you really think they are that smart?
January 19, 2012 at 3:02 pm
Politicans always seem to fail to understand a basic mathematical principle. Raising taxes by 67% is meaningless when you increase spending by more than 67%. You will always be in the red.
If the government taxed us 100% of our paychecks, they would still need more than that, because they always spend many times more than they take in.
January 19, 2012 at 3:02 pm
Just like my ex-wife, always spends a dollar more than we make.
January 19, 2012 at 10:18 pm
After suffering under the corruption of Illinois Democrats, I decided to move to Wisconsin because their Governor understands that taxing people into poverty hurts everybody in the long run. I’ve finally found peace and happiness in Cheeseland.
I haven’t looked south to the border since.
January 19, 2012 at 3:03 pm
…and you get concealed carry.
January 19, 2012 at 3:05 pm
Amen… I moved to Wisconsin 12 years ago from outside of Chicago. I’ll never go back to Illinois other than to visit family. It’s become the anus of America.
Proof positive that 60+ years of Democratic (Socialist) control creates nothing more than a steaming heap of excrement.
January 19, 2012 at 3:16 pm
I hope that WI can block the recall effort being conducted by the union thugs.
January 19, 2012 at 4:44 pm
I got fed up with this BS in the late ’90s, and moved from Chicago/Illinois to Florida. No state income tax here, yet somehow we have even better roads and schools and such. Oh, and this state does not infringe on our right to bear arms. (You do realize you live in the ONLY state that does not provide a legal way to carry a handgun, don’t you?)
I built a successful business here in Florida, creating dozens of good upper-middle class jobs with good benes, and bringing millions of dollars to the local economy. If Chicago and Illinois were more business friendly, I would have done that back home. Your loss, for voting for the Parasite Party again and again and again.
Those of us who are tired of being punished for doing the right thing are leaving the parasites behind. Buh bye! (I also predict this will be happening on a national scale soon. I’m already looking at property overseas)
I always had a dream of moving home again…until last year, when I read about the 67% state income tax hike. That day, I realized I would never move back. Florida is home now.
January 19, 2012 at 3:04 pm
Congratulations – both on your move and your subsequent success.
January 19, 2012 at 3:48 pm
“No state income tax here, yet somehow we have even better roads and schools and such.”
IL really sucks, but part of the problem with the roads is the heaving due to freezing/thawing, something that doesn’t affect the roads in FL.
The schools here suck due to excessive union control.
January 19, 2012 at 4:45 pm
One party system works so well for Illinois…
Please stay out of Texas unless you mean to become a Texan in thought and deed.
January 19, 2012 at 3:06 pm
Chicago, take a look at Detroit. It’s like stepping into a time machine and seeing what you’re gonna look like in 10 or 15 years. This is what happens when liberals and unions run cities.
But please keeping electing Democrats. It’s pure comedy gold for those of us observing.
January 19, 2012 at 3:06 pm
I think what Illinois needs is a “reasonable profits board”. They need to make sure that Caterpillar, Sears, and United don’t make too much in profits.
I wouldn’t invest a wooden nickel in the future of this state, it’s a microcosm of the future of our nation if we continue down this path.
January 19, 2012 at 3:17 pm
?Huh? So, you want to police how much a company makes? All three are retail, I can tell you what they make, at best a 10% return on their money, if that. Sure they have big income, but they also have big expenses. If you choose to determine what they earn, then you also determine what you will earn, because the company isn’t going to take it on the chin, the workers and the customers will be the ones that take that hit.
What is a “reasonable profit”? People invest in the stock market and hope to get 8-12% return on their money. Why shouldn’t a business get a good return on their RISK? This is the exact attitude that has killed the great America. The country that went from the rebel to the world leader in less than 150 years. Over the past 70 we went from the largest lending nation to the biggest borrowing nation. Yeah, let’s go after those “evil companies” and send more of them to China.
January 19, 2012 at 4:29 pm
Who is John Galt?
January 19, 2012 at 5:46 pm
DW is referring to the most recent Democrat fiasco. They proposed a bill today to form a board that will limit oil and gas Companies to” reasonable profits”. Now the Democrats want to tell private business how much they can make in profits. COMMUNISM. How about a board telling the Democrats how much they can tax. Exxon-Mobil pays twice as much in taxes and fees as they make in profits. But the Democrats want more. These AH’s are killing the Nation.
January 19, 2012 at 10:25 pm
increasing taxes during an economic recession is virtually guaranteed to force businesses out of the state and decrease tax revenues. This is basic economics and should be obvious to anyone except perhaps Illinois legislators or the governor.
January 19, 2012 at 3:07 pm
according to Biden, real patriots love to pay higher taxes. The democrats kow what the people want and are giving it to them. Put the democrat boot on the necks of anyone who didn’t get the talking points.
January 19, 2012 at 3:14 pm
Ode to Joe Biden
“You were sent from heaven,
I know just what you’re worth
They threw away the baby,
And raised the afterbirth”.
January 19, 2012 at 10:39 pm
Yeah, 10% of a million dollars is a lot more patriotic than 50% of nothing
January 20, 2012 at 9:39 am
Simple solution.
Raise Taxes even higher.
67% raise didn’t do the job.
So DOUBLE or TRIPLE the current Tax rates.
History has shown us that higher the tax rates, higher the tax receipts.
If Income Tax receipts are not enough, then start taxing the Sodas, Salt, Trans-fats, STRICT enforcement of parking violations,…..
If that is unworkable, then find some fools with money to invest and issue them bonds.
Just don’t cut the benefits to the poor and the State Employees’ salary+pensions+health insurance.
Increase the unemployment benefits indefinitely.
Your homeboy Barack just told us that Unemployment benefits create more JOBS than the pipeline carrying the sandy sludge through Nebraska.
January 19, 2012 at 3:08 pm
Illinois the Forest Gump of state management. The stupid people of Illinois get what they elect.
January 19, 2012 at 3:08 pm
Mama said,
“Chicago is like ah box of chocolates,
Ya never know what yur gonna shet”.
Forrest Biden
January 19, 2012 at 10:42 pm
Yea…I live in the Peoples Republic of Illinois.
The 67% increase in INCOME TAX wasnt the only taxes that went up!
$5 per month per cell phone.
Auto Registration Fees Doubled
Drivers Liscens Fees Doubled
Propery tax INCREASE…can you believe that?
INTERNET SALES TAX !!!!
I know people say, “Im gonna leave”, but they dont.
I AM getting my house fixed up and when I finish I AM moving.
That will be 2 less professional incomes (I dont work here thank God), and five less paying citizens.
You see…..we work and receive NO form of wellfare.
January 19, 2012 at 3:09 pm
I hear you. My family is plotting its escape from the People’s Republic of California in the near future.
January 19, 2012 at 3:52 pm
It’s obvious, they didn’t raise taxes enough. Raise taxes again and again until the state can pay its bills. Why cut expenses when you can raise taxes.
January 19, 2012 at 3:10 pm
I like it. Soak the Rich! Vote Democrat! More Unions! Entitlements for 99%!
January 19, 2012 at 3:21 pm
If only we raised the minimum wage to $100/hr, that would solve all our problems!
;)
January 19, 2012 at 4:46 pm
Big goverment means big bills . Big bills justs means more goverment . Its a vicious cycle America won’t be able t get out of unless the President takes a stand and orders these States to spend accordingly . Its like watching the EU , fight over why greece spends as if it were Germany .
January 19, 2012 at 3:10 pm
Unless the president takes a stand? THIS president? you are delusional. He’s behind this state spending, it’s what he’s all about.
January 19, 2012 at 6:07 pm
To shield fools from the effects of their folly is to fill the world with fools… Herbert Spencer…………………………………..REAP IT ,FOOLS
January 19, 2012 at 3:11 pm
How many tax increase failures does it take to m ake liberals understand that increasing taxes does not increase revenue. And yes look at warren Buffett. Every financial move he makes is done with an eye to how he can avoid taxes.
January 19, 2012 at 3:13 pm
If they ever realized it, they wouldn’t be liberals any longer. And as long as they are on the take, they don’t care, anyway.
January 19, 2012 at 9:46 pm
Pingback: SOOOOOOO, RAISING TAXES DIDN’T SOLVE ILLINOIS’ SPENDING PROBLEM? « GILL REPORT – The official website of the Steve Gill Show
Hey liberals – want to fix the problem ? – I suggest mass suicide.
January 19, 2012 at 3:14 pm
Agreed.
January 19, 2012 at 3:20 pm
Umm, save some of the better looking liberal women.
We can use them for, ummm… STORAGE….
January 19, 2012 at 10:45 pm
Just raise taxes to cover the deficit, Or better yet, pass a law that doubles everybody’s salary in the state and watch the income tax dollars roll in. It’s not that hard.
January 19, 2012 at 3:15 pm
Why stop at doubling everyone’s salary – increase salaries 1000x. That way everyone will be rich!
January 19, 2012 at 3:55 pm
Not only that, I thought I ain’t gonna pay my mortgage no mo. That’s why I voted for Obama. He was gonna pay it from his stash.
This stuff is supposed to be free.
January 19, 2012 at 3:17 pm
Excuse me people-
Illinois raises taxes on ALL companies, then the companies with influence (like Sears) “threaten” to leave. So then CORRUPT leaders create a SPECIAL tax break for ONLY THAT COMPANY to keep them. The small and medium sized compaines continue to get raped.
January 19, 2012 at 3:19 pm
Hey nit-wit… that’s what companies do when you over burden them with taxes or regulations.. THEY LEAVE….either the state or the country and their jobs go with them… a simple fact that socialist Dimorats cannot seem to comprehend
January 20, 2012 at 9:52 pm
“Topinka says the solution is to cut spending.” Really, do you think!
January 19, 2012 at 3:19 pm
Why don’t we just borrow it from Wisconsin?
January 19, 2012 at 3:25 pm
Would You lend money to a drunken sailor?
January 19, 2012 at 4:23 pm
It is obvious that politicians from Chicago have no clue on how to cut spending and have no clue on how to pay their bills. What they do know is how to raise taxes, but they still can’t pay the bills. sounds like a bunch of liberal democrats to me.
January 19, 2012 at 3:29 pm
It makes me so happy that unsustainable union pensions are protected while the rest of us can’t send our kids to college or are thrown out of our homes because we can’t pay our taxes.
January 19, 2012 at 3:32 pm
Quit whining and get a second or third job – don’t you know ther are thousands of unionistas depending on you to finance their 30 or so years of retirement to a nice low-tax state like Florida.
January 19, 2012 at 4:04 pm
I fled IL for AZ – packed up what I could in the truck and never looked back. While politics in AZ is a right-wing version of of Cook County, it’s still better.
January 19, 2012 at 3:33 pm
Let Chicago be its own state and save the rest of Illinois
January 19, 2012 at 3:33 pm
I-74 would be a good demarcation line.
January 19, 2012 at 3:46 pm
We live in a suburb of Chicago but would not want to be included in the State of Chicago.
January 19, 2012 at 4:47 pm
They can’t cut spending, how are the illegals going to get free everything if they do that?!?
January 19, 2012 at 3:38 pm
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Looks like the Godfather’s Chicago corruption has infected the State.
January 19, 2012 at 3:44 pm
It’s simple, they need a hefty “Ho’ Tax” in Illinois. But Ho’s is clever! You tax them like that and they will move to another state!! You think the people running Illinois don’t think the businesses in Illinois aren’t doing the same thing that a Ho’ would do if you taxed them heavily?? Illinois is DOOMED unless they cut expenditures very aggressively. Illinois will end up being a giant black spot on the new “Ghetto App” being developed for smart phones and GPS units!!
January 19, 2012 at 3:46 pm
I love this comment! Thought I would be the first to comment!!
January 19, 2012 at 4:44 pm
Anyone surprised by this outcome are the same people surprised that the sun rises everyday.
January 19, 2012 at 3:46 pm
Just to think that we have a Illinois Senator running our country in the same fashion as we speak. Are we going to be surprised with the same outcome on a federal level?
January 19, 2012 at 3:49 pm
The situation is unfolding as you speak. The U.S. is doomed financially also, just like Europe, and for the same reasons, but it is taking longer here because we can print the almighty “DOLLAR”. Buy gold, silver, platinum etc. on dips in the market and try to hold on long term.
January 19, 2012 at 4:39 pm
Isn’t insanity defined as ‘doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results’? Well we have a good example in IL as the voters keep believing what the dums say about how raising taxes will solve the problem and it only gets worse. Then, they still continue to vote them into office.
Well you reap what you sow. On the other hand, you sow and the dums reap.
January 19, 2012 at 3:51 pm
They just need to raise the income tax to 100% for a year, and that will balance the budget. Just one year, certainly Illinois residents can sacrifice a bit?
January 19, 2012 at 3:53 pm
If they had lowered income taxes and corporate taxes and instituted right to work laws, they’d be rolling in the dough.
January 19, 2012 at 4:01 pm
If you still live in Illinois and are not looking for a place to move to, except California, you are a complete idiot
January 19, 2012 at 4:05 pm
A couple of months ago I was into the interview process when the company decided not fill the position. they decided to expand capacity in the Texas branch. I can’t say I blame them, if I ran a business and had the option I would probably do the same.
Illinois has accepted corruption at the highest levels as long as I can remember. We are well known for joking about it. I suppose the rest of the country just wanted to get in on the joke by importing it. As long as the people exercise their right to vote for incompetence and corruption I have a hard time blaming those who benefit from those votes, both democrats and republicans.
Pay to play is either a joke or an accepted way to do business, what’s wrong with that? Of course the attorney general is in her position solely based on her skills and qualifications. [sarcasm] Through my adult life I think we have averaged one governor indicted every ten years. Nah, there’s nothing wrong here.
I don’t believe there is any chance of fundamental change in the selection of out elected officials so the only unknown is the rate of decline. It seems clear IL has jumped the shark. As Larry the cable guy said, “you can’t fix stupid”.
January 19, 2012 at 4:05 pm
When I leave D.C. to Hillary, I’ll come home and clean up the state budget.
I’ll start right where I left off, by voting “Present”…
January 19, 2012 at 4:08 pm
Visited The Land of Obama last weekend and was surprised at having to pay double the former rate on the toll roads. Our son now pays about 3.5% of his home value in property taxes. Here in SE Indiana, we pay about a 1.5% rate. Illinois is unsustainable.
January 19, 2012 at 4:08 pm
Keep electing the big government – higher taxes – more entitlements – crazy benefits and pensions for civil servants – DIMORATS
… sorry but you get the government you deserve
I’ll bet the state workers and local government folks aren’t worried… their pay, benefits and pensions continue to go up.. and if you have to lay off their colleagues.. the Unions say …go right ahead but don’t touch their pay or benefits… cause the politician that tries that will be run out of office.. ..take a look at what Gov. Walker is facing
But you need to smile – remember hair plug Joe Biden told all of us… that paying higher taxes was patriotic.. so buck up Illinois and be more patriotic!!
January 19, 2012 at 4:08 pm
I grew up in Hammond, IN near South Chicago, don’t miss it as I am a Country Boy at heart.
Communist China is now more Capitalism friendly than Peoples Republic of Illinios!!!
Right to Work States in South and South of the Border countries are cleaning your clock but you will always have Capones Vault and Dead people to vote! And the Cubs!!!
January 19, 2012 at 4:13 pm
I know of very few people who live in Illinois, especially the Chicago area, who aren’t either trying to move out or wish they could manage to move out. There is only one solution: the Democrat government should tax everyone and every company at 100 %. Of course it would only work for one year, but the Democrats aren’t smart enough to know that. And as other have said, if you voted for the Democrats, you have no right to complain. You are getting what you should have expected.
January 19, 2012 at 4:15 pm
I became a millionaire by moving my business to Chicago years ago….but i was a billionaire before
January 19, 2012 at 4:15 pm
Pingback: Anonymous
When will you recognize that raising taxes is not the answer. Lower taxes make it easier for business to do business in your community and the money will flow. The more business the more people the more money get the picture!
January 19, 2012 at 4:24 pm
I feel sorry for the Southern half of the state which is quite scenic and very hunter/fisherman friendly.
In 10 years Sears will be Bankrupt, United will move HQ to Texas/Colo. Tribune will fold. Boeing will relocate to FL or TN. NASDAQ will move out of state too.
I say turn South Chicago into a SuperMax Prision with 100′ high walls.
January 19, 2012 at 4:24 pm
i like your thinking tim . i am here in colorado springs and agree with you.
January 19, 2012 at 4:36 pm
As long as the dead people in Illinois keep voting for Democrats, the living ones will continue to pay more and more taxes.
January 19, 2012 at 4:27 pm
OK all you fools from Illinois.- why don’t you begin to clean up your state by getting rid of the Democrats that have created this mess. Start with Durbin and work down. Next time pick a Republican governor and see the difference it will make. I sure don’t feel sorry for anybody that keeps electing the same big spenders and taxers time after time.
January 19, 2012 at 4:27 pm
I’m not even sure that if more voted to throw out the Dems it would happen. The voting fraud is so extensive and common that the votes of the dead, illegals, and multiple voters would probably outnumber the votes of those who vote legally.
January 19, 2012 at 7:42 pm
That’s what’s known as a communist death spiral.
January 19, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Pretty much!! Look up International Living on the internet to find cheaper and less oppressive countries to move to.
January 19, 2012 at 4:43 pm
Why should I move? My family has been here 5 generations. It would be much more cost effective to target and kill every child and spouse of every communist in the CONgress. It wouldn;t take much manpower, hardly any bullets at all (maybe 1000) and would leave a lasting impression forever of what wont ever be tolerated here. I think “jewish” daughters and 1st born sons along with the children and spouses of the media should be all targeted in a month long blitzkrieg until they sue for peace. I am a fan of collective punishment.
January 19, 2012 at 6:35 pm
yeah how are those democrat leaders working for you illinois. hahahaaha.. keep on voting in corruption and your cities will look like detroit soon. brilliant
January 19, 2012 at 4:35 pm
Too many angry whiners that don’t work and not enough stupid people who are also productive to support them. This is no mystery. Just go ahead and call it New Detroit from now on.
January 19, 2012 at 4:36 pm
History has proven that the government’s coffers increase when you lower taxes and decrease when you raise taxes. Always. Liberals don’t like this because it does not allow them to target their enemies or pick the winners through punitive taxation. They would rather social engineer than save the country. Which is why they have to go.
January 19, 2012 at 4:44 pm
If you lower taxes to Zero there would be Zero coming into government coffers, so there is a limit to your statement. See the Laffer Curve. The trick is finding the medium where the revenue is maximized. Still it is always lower than where Democrats want the taxes.
January 20, 2012 at 9:52 am
Glad I left Illinois permanently back in 1991. The incremental decline is fun to watch – but I feel sorry for all republicans in Illinois. They were never the blame for the problem.
January 19, 2012 at 4:48 pm
I left in 1992 and I agree — I feel for the productive that are left that have to support the growing parasite population. Oh well —–
January 19, 2012 at 6:28 pm
Our current problem was caused by Gov. ignoring the 10th amendment to the constitution and courts should never have allowed Gov. to spend(waste) our taxes or pass laws to create ‘special interest groups.
Gov. is supposed to protect our borders. It is doing the opposite.
Welfare recipients should not be able to vote for someone they think will give them more welfare.
January 19, 2012 at 4:54 pm
So right. They are inviting problems of catastrophic proportions. It’s easy to allow an influx of illegals that will gladly dine on other’s dimes, especially when it’s considered another welcomed liberal voter constituency by the open armed democrats. And those that support ACORN will just as much regret it as the rest of us because it’s simply another racial inequality problem that everybody – including our black fellow citizens will have to compete with, when there’s nothing left.
January 20, 2012 at 3:11 am
The state income tax increase doesn’t even take into account the crazy increases in property taxes around Chicago. I sold my NW Suburban home in October 2010. When I moved in 8 years ago, my property taxes were $6800/year. When I sold it, they were $16,700/year. Insane. There are homeowners all over the northwest suburbs paying $30,000+/year just in property taxes….just for the right to live there….
January 19, 2012 at 4:54 pm
You don’t own property —- the state just lets you rent it from them — and they get to raise the rent whenever they want. Sweet deal!
January 19, 2012 at 6:25 pm
Could have predicted this over a year ago BEFORE these clowns passed this tax hike. It’s going to force individuals and businesses OUT of the state and REDUCE revenues in the long run.
January 19, 2012 at 4:59 pm
The solution is to cut spending. Simple. Derp.
January 19, 2012 at 5:01 pm
Hasn’t the last three years been great, living the Hope & Change Fantasy?!?! [IMG]http://s3-ec.buzzfed.com/static/enhanced/web04/2012/1/19/14/enhanced-buzz-wide-6396-1327002507-12.jpg[/IMG]
January 19, 2012 at 5:06 pm
Turn the tax stove up another notch! We’ll boil these tax paying frogs yet! Not sure who’s dumber, the Illinois electeds or the voters who keep electing them.
January 19, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Maybe if they raised taxes another 67% it would cove the difference.
January 19, 2012 at 5:21 pm
Why doesn’t Illinois just tax Indiana residents they need the money and Indiana is right next door.
January 19, 2012 at 5:33 pm
I’m HOPING I have some CHANGE left when they are done taxing me.
January 19, 2012 at 5:35 pm
Obviously this proves that we need to raise taxes I mean revenue nationally too!! Obviously if it worked for illinois it will work for the national debt… oh.. wait a minute it didn’t work…
January 19, 2012 at 5:35 pm
There is a simple solution to the problem says, Dorky the Democrat, “we need to raise taxes”
keep voting in Democrats you nit-wits… you get the government you deserve
January 19, 2012 at 5:37 pm
It’s definitely the stupid voters who keep electing them. Obamaville at its finest! So glad we left Illinois.
January 19, 2012 at 5:38 pm
Wow, this didn’t work. I thought this was the answer! I think the state should hire more Tax agents so we can get down to the nitty gritty on this….. LOL Liberals, you all are so smart!!!
January 19, 2012 at 5:45 pm
How can anyone with a job still live in Illinois? 67% income tax – they put Jesse James in jail for less.
January 19, 2012 at 5:46 pm
The increase was BY 67%. I think it was 3.5 before and now it would be around 5.8% now. I don’t know what the corporate tax was and is.
Does any one know the exact figures?
January 20, 2012 at 6:59 am
One needs only to come out here to California and see what the demonrats have done to this state. Now Gov. moonbeam wants more taxes. Even after he signhed the dream act to give illegal aliens 50 million dollars in tuition scholarships. Go figure
January 19, 2012 at 5:47 pm
Why did your state vote for MOONBEAM MORON??????
January 19, 2012 at 6:11 pm
Reading through the comments can we please get a Liberal here to explain how dumb we are and who’s fault this actually is, well I mean I know it is Bush’s fault, but go deeper please. Thanks
January 19, 2012 at 5:49 pm
That’s all you’ll ever get out of them. “it’s Bush’s fault.” You don’t expect a Lefty to actually know what they’re talking about, do you? That’d be unfair.
January 19, 2012 at 9:53 pm
I hope congressional Republicans (and what sane Democrats remain) take notice of this as Obama and the rest of the looters demand higher taxes to cut the deficit because it WILL NOT HAPPEN. Any increase in taxes will be used for more wasteful programs and most likely increase the deficit as the actual costs always exceed the estimates. When Dems demand a tax increase for fairness, compassion, the children, our future etc… JUST SAY NO!
January 19, 2012 at 6:04 pm
Raise taxes=businesses leave, people leave and tax receipts go down.
Lower taxes=more business. more people and tax receipts increase.
This is why I now live in Texas instead of Peoria.
You aren’t here yet? Silly you!
January 19, 2012 at 6:04 pm
Cut spending, the lady says. Who would have thunk it?
January 19, 2012 at 6:04 pm
Sorry, but liberalism is the entire problem along with the lemmings in Blue States, like ILL. Ca., NY, Mich.,who keep electing liberal Dems so they can spend,regulate our lives, and keep taxing though that never never never balances any budget. It is time to stop Obama, guvs and State Legs. which keep electing these dopey liberals and then clean out the Dem Senate. If this does not happen, this nation will look like Greece or Albania. Then add up the scandals nationally and in these liberal states. Yikes. The MSM will never blame Obama, guvs, state Legs or Congressional liberals , NEVER. Hypocrites.
January 19, 2012 at 6:10 pm
Liberals and Democrats are really just Communists. They beleive in everything Marx and Engels did. Its time for the Sons Of Liberty to wake up ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security……….Nothing else wil work , people. You have been warned
January 19, 2012 at 6:24 pm
But all the communist unions are being paid on time and having 100% benefits paid for.
January 19, 2012 at 6:24 pm
When I travel through Illinois a couple times a year, I make sure I fill the gas tank in Paducah, Ky, then refill at the first gas station just over the Wisconsin border – totally bypassing Illinois. That’s goes for lodging too. I refuse to pay the corrupt politicians of Illinois one cent of my money. All that tax money and the state has some of the worst highways in the country…a crumbling mess. People of Illinois…you’re state is a laughing stock. Wake up!
January 19, 2012 at 6:31 pm
Well, it’s clear that they need to raise the tax 300%. People have too much money anyway. It all belongs to the government, so take it all away and let the government work! Sheesh, people. YOU LIVE TO SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT and their welfare children. So work and sacrifice for them, your worthless lives only of use for your ‘elected’ elite.
January 19, 2012 at 6:34 pm
Please – all you taxpaying entrepreneurs, come To Virginia. You’ll be welcome here in our Right to Work, low tax and business friendly state. All the losers, welfare skunks, environistas and Democrats can stay in Illinois and freeze in the dark.
January 19, 2012 at 6:44 pm
The corruption in this state is beyond all imagination at every level of government.
The Three Stooges in Springfield must go and Dump Durbin.
Can’t remember when Illinois was a GOOD place to live!
January 19, 2012 at 6:48 pm
So long as Illinois (and California and New York and Maryland) keep electing these Socialist idiots to power, the situation will continue to get worse. It will reach a point where they will be so bankrupt, that the poor will not get aid, and we will have massive riots and a complete breakdown of law and order.
But for the Socialists, er, I mean Democrats in these states, such a breakdown of order would be a good thing. To these Marxist clowns, this is not about prosperity for the people. It is only about driving out the evil racist Republicans from their states and consolidating their one party leftist rule, where they control not only government, but the media, public schools, and universities.
January 19, 2012 at 6:52 pm
As a Cat, this Cat knows if a 67% increase did not work the first time around, raise your silly human taxes by 167%. This Cat can easily forsee a wonderful future for the human problem when Commentary Cat’s suggestion is implimented by the human.
January 19, 2012 at 7:24 pm
“Some state officials say the solution is more borrowing to pay the bills, but Topinka says the solution is to cut spending.” Ya think?
January 19, 2012 at 7:26 pm
It’s George Bush’s fault!
January 19, 2012 at 7:26 pm
Dubya says, “HUG A ROOT, WHINERS”!!!!!!!
“How yuh like me NOW????”
Karl Rove
January 19, 2012 at 10:48 pm
Sadly there are too many Keynesian Klowns running Illinois, and too many idiots that will keep voting them back in. Hopefully enough people will wake up in the rest of the country, I have already given up on California, New York – they are no better, and realize that the communist they voted for president in 2008 will continue to push the country down the same hole as Illinois is in.
January 19, 2012 at 7:27 pm
The folks in Illinois just don’t get it. They keep electing Dems and they are shocked when they reap the same results. It’s hard to feel bad for fools.
January 19, 2012 at 7:30 pm
Pingback: After raising income taxes 67% — IL still $8.5B in debt… | Drudge Report
Pingback: CA gov calls for tax rises… | Drudge Report
good luck losers you voted for those idiots
January 19, 2012 at 7:59 pm
The obvious solution? Jack those babies up some MORE!!
Don’t cut all the money being poured into unions. Don’t cut government bonuses or salaries. In fact, raise them. Don’t cut the hand-outs to free-loaders…. No sir,.,,, just keep jackin’ those f-in taxes……. Idiots…
Oh,,, and vote O’Bozo and marxists….early and often…
January 19, 2012 at 8:02 pm
More borrowing is the solution?? Yeah, I bet they really think that way with their own credit card debt. Let’s just spend more money!!
This is just one more reason I despise dimocrats and liberals. They’re not only willing, they’re eager, to sacrifice everybody else for their own power.
Only Il, could keep electing people stupid enough to suggest the way out of incredible debt, is to just borrow more. You people, you better STAY THE HELL UP THERE!!! Don’t you dare come down there,
January 19, 2012 at 8:03 pm
Isn’t Illinois bleeding citizens?
January 19, 2012 at 8:14 pm
Pingback: TheGOPNet - Ilinois Raise Income Taxes 67% and still $8.5B in Debt - TheGOPNet
Barbara Baxter?
You are the mighty Boa’s kind of gal……..
Love the “unionistas” term……
AH HAHAHA!!
January 19, 2012 at 8:20 pm
Just a thought…..
Has ANYONE bothered to see how much money Illinois is funneling over to it’s favorite “son”…. O’Bozo?
He’s probably milking a sizable portion of it for him and his Bride of King Kong wife….. SOMEONE has to pay for their food bill…..
January 19, 2012 at 8:22 pm
They should just raise taxes again!
Why do you greedy bigots refuse to pay your fair share?
January 19, 2012 at 8:25 pm
As long as there are more people on the “receiving end” of government money (your taxes), than there are people putting into the system (taxpayers), Dems will continue to be re-elected…by those same people to protect their “income” (Gov money). It’s a downward spiral like a slow flushing toilet. There are plenty of people voting against this stupidity..they’re just out-numbered.
January 19, 2012 at 8:29 pm
This is the essence of the problem. More voters on the take than pay taxes. An eternal majority for tax and spend.
January 20, 2012 at 6:57 am
Notice how you can’t even SUGGEST that union people foot part of the bill for, say, their own health care? They are so brainwashed they will justify every penny they get and make a million excuses for why they shouldn’t have to endure any cuts. This poses, obviously, a huge problem.
Don’t necessarily fault those who understand the problems but can’t escape. Voter fraud is rampant. O’Bozo is the king of it and will either steal or suspend the election. Does that mean we deserve him? It does if you don’t do what the mighty Boa has told you needs to be done for YEARS now. Those people also have a hard time leaving when they may be forced to take tens of thousands of dollars, or more, in losses selling their homes.
The point is, ALL of this is due to a corrupt and out of control government. You can bash someone for not leaving a state, but what about the nation? And if YOU haven’t helped remove these marxist pr*#ks, you are just as much to blame. And the mighty Boa isn’t talking about any sham, voter-fraud filled election either.
January 19, 2012 at 8:33 pm
Hey Pal,
Do your part, keep quiet and keep paying those taxes for that great quality of life in Illinois!
Or… move to Florida where there are blue skies, pretty women and no personal or income taxes.
Tampa Mike
January 19, 2012 at 8:50 pm
I suggest your Gov. give scott walker a call……my real estate taxes went down, payroll taxes went down, school budgets balance, unemployment rate went down to 7.1%, we have conceal carry, school reforms that make sense AND on christmas we have a Christmas tree NOT a holiday tree. Illinois needs a Gov. tough enough to stand up to to Unions. Good luck down there
January 19, 2012 at 8:34 pm
It is beyond comprehension how anyone in any state could elect politicians that respond to Topinka saying the solution is to cut spending by saying the solution is more borrowing. Isn’t 8.5 BILLION enough?
January 19, 2012 at 8:35 pm
Entire Democrat mob needs to be replaced in Illinois or we are going under.
January 19, 2012 at 8:39 pm
Hopefully you’re reading Levin’s new book, “ameritopia”…..
Due to the subject matter, it isn’t a real easy read. But its well researched. And since it has been a while since the mighty Boa read some of the works involved, Locke, Plato, Marx, etc, it is a great refresher. And reminder. You read how the “utopian” wants to control this or that, and before Levin has even suggested this comes into play as, say abortion, you’re already thinking, “yep, that’s why they push abortion”….
Anyhow, if you want a good book based on a lot of the classic writings that developed into things such as marxism, communism, etc versus the ideologies behind the Founders and the Constitution, it’s well worth it….
January 19, 2012 at 8:41 pm
Raising taxes drives out businesses AND removes capital from businesses that would have been used for inventory, wages, hiring, etc etc.
Increasing the tax rate will ALWAYS decrease the amount of tax revenue you ultimately generate.
Just the fact that they raised taxes is proof they are incompetent.
January 19, 2012 at 8:45 pm
Ever watch Mel Brooks’ History Of The World??
He sums up public life PERFECTLY!!!
ITS GOOD TO BE THE KING!!!
January 19, 2012 at 8:47 pm
They should try supply side economics …. lower taxes to attract companies to the state.
January 19, 2012 at 9:25 pm
Maybe they should raise taxes another 10%? If that doesnt work, raise them again. When that doesnt work, perhaps they should try spending less
January 19, 2012 at 9:34 pm
Fuhrer Obama and his minions just do not get it. The more you raise taxes, the worse the tax collections get as people who would pay the taxes either move to a more favorable venue of just shut down their sources of revenue (retire) to save paying higher taxes.
January 19, 2012 at 9:44 pm
Haha. Sucks that my parents still live there and have to deal with the communists in state government.
What now? Cut back on spending. they’ll never do it!
January 19, 2012 at 9:48 pm
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Pingback: What? You Mean Raising Taxes Doesn’t Work? - Debt Wall
I wish the people who said more borrowing is the answer were named in this article.
January 19, 2012 at 10:19 pm
Well it was only a year ago Wisconsin was also in debt to the tune of $3Billion. Governor Walker made a few reasonable adjustment to the pay and benefits to the very well compensated public employees. and now… We are no longer in the red, and we have avoided mass layoffs of teachers. For this he is facing a recall election. So if you want to see what the unions and special interests have in store for you if you do the right thing, watch Wisconsin in the next few months. This may get interesting….
btw, it’s spelled GALT…
January 19, 2012 at 10:28 pm
What the State of illinois obviously needs is to build a state-of-the-art high speed rail system like California is doing. I mean, just think of the jobs all that government spending will create! Then you simply tax the people earning all that tax money building the rail, and use the proceeds to pay off the state’s debt and spend what’s left over to build a unicorn-powered candycane gyrocopter that will carry all the state’s schoolchildren on a magical journey somewhere over the rainbow…
January 19, 2012 at 10:50 pm
Those who pick on Michigan; A year ago we got a REPUBLICAN GOVERNOR, AND BOTH HOUSES ARE NOW REPUBLICAN IN LANSING, ALONG WITH BOTH THE AG AND SOS OFFICES. We have cut taxes, jobs increased 70,000 last year year, and now we have a budget surplus. Michigan is on a comeback, and this shows what can happen when you elect different people to office.
January 19, 2012 at 11:00 pm
Turn out the twisty bulb. Illinois — A Great Place to be FROM!
January 19, 2012 at 11:07 pm
Liberal logic: If the bleeding isn’t slowing down, open some more arteries.
January 19, 2012 at 11:20 pm
Illinois politicians, like most democrats, never learn. Tax hikes don’t increase revenues. This latest 67% increase is going to cost the state about $60K a year from this taxpayer alone, as this member of the 1% is moving to Florida in a couple months. Good riddance.
January 19, 2012 at 11:25 pm
She admits things are worse after they raised taxes…What happened to the liberal template of making things better by taxing the rich? It’s a lie, that’s what. They know it, but they just can’t get over their addiction.
January 19, 2012 at 11:28 pm
“Some state officials say the solution is more borrowing to pay the bills, but Topinka says the solution is to cut spending.”
Why can’t CBS be honest?
Its not “some state officials” its Democratic State Officials say the solution is more borrowing. How stupid are Illinois voters to keep these Democrats in power?
January 19, 2012 at 11:35 pm
Do how is that “Democratic mantra” of raising taxes and promising everyone everything going for you now? Doesn’t seem to be working out so well…but, of course, I did take Account 101 in high school!
January 19, 2012 at 11:42 pm
You are welcome to come to Arizona. The economy is getting better, and the housing crisis is easing here, so prices are going up, but not that much yet. You can still get a pretty nice home for under $150,000, and if you want to live in the suburbs, you will get a brand new one! We do have a state income tax, but not that bad of one. Property taxes are pretty low too. The place is already full of IIllini, so you won’t feel out of place. It was about 72 degrees today. Welcome! We only ask you don’t invite your Taxacrat friends to visit; we don’t want them to see the place; they might try to come too.
January 20, 2012 at 12:01 am
Let’s look at the bright side. States like California and Illinois are stimulating the economies of the surrounding states through their own sacrifice. For this we must thank their people for their liberal voting and leadership.
January 20, 2012 at 12:06 am
I can see Indiana from my front door….and it looks like heaven….
January 20, 2012 at 1:03 am
I moved from IL 6 months ago to Indiana. Best move I could have done!
January 20, 2012 at 6:27 am
Pingback: The Zombie Bible; State finances are a disaster—Illinois and California leading the way « tradewindtrolleydodger
Folks this is basic economics, something they don’t teach in school anymore. Supply side economics teaches us that raising taxes and regulation burden on businesses will often result in REDUCED government revenue. This is especially true in a recession.
By contrast tax cuts, like those implemented by JFK, Reagan, Clinton and Bush actually increase government revenue due to the synergistic effect of stimulating economic growth. Look up the Laffer curve for more information. Unfortunately democrats can only get elected by demagoguery, the politics of envy and lies.
So if you keep voting D, your state will continue into the abyss. Detroit is your future.
January 20, 2012 at 2:23 am
Aside from revenues, governments are spending way too much. They are way too inefficient. 4-8 billion in budget gap prob needs major spending cuts.
January 20, 2012 at 2:28 am
Ahahahahahaha, this is so funny. CA is going throught the same thing! You tax and spenders are total fools. “We need to borrow more money to pay the bills” That is so ludicrious. I mean how can you people support legislators that actually believe that. It is truly amazing how you people stand by your leaders while they keep beating you over the head. You need to borrow money to build infrastructure, build schools, update things. You can’t borrow money to maintain it. Its like borrowing money to pay your PG&E every month and to pay the gardner, etc.
January 20, 2012 at 2:26 am
Everyone in their sane minds should know that once the democrats raise taxes – for their proclaimed insolvencies, they will immediately go on another spending spree.
January 20, 2012 at 3:17 am
Hey!! You people keep electing Democrats. What do you expect? Want to know your fate? look at Detroit.
January 20, 2012 at 4:02 am
What else do you expect from a Democratic “WELFARE” state?
January 20, 2012 at 4:12 am
WHAT?! Raising taxes doesn’t reduce debt?! Only spending less does?! Who’d have thunk THAT???. LOL!!!!
January 20, 2012 at 5:07 am
In one little headline, all the liberal memes fall by the wayside. Raising taxes is NOT the answer yet Obama and his Democratic minions around the country keep applying the same failed policies. They shout down Tea Party activists who call for fiscal sanity and fancy themselves intellectually superior to anyone who opposes them. Sounds like that famous definition of insanity- doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. It’s a circus parade of political clowns.
January 20, 2012 at 6:07 am
That’s the problem with Democrats. Sooner or later they run out of other peoples hard earned money to spend.
January 20, 2012 at 6:22 am
Come to NY … it’s just as bad. Unions run the show.
January 20, 2012 at 6:55 am
Y’all come on South to Tennessee… no income tax, right-to-work and a growing economy! I moved my small electronics firm here from Joliet five years ago and haven’t regretted it one bit. On the contrary, we’ve got a bigger house, bills paid and kids in great Sumner County schools… this place is booming. But don’t bring your Illinois leftist ideas with you! Keep those back up there in that new mecca of decline.
January 20, 2012 at 7:01 am
Welcome to fiscally sound Tennessee where politicians are sane. Every single renter of our condos is from a “blue state” with a below-water home that will never sell and the answer to all problems is…higher taxes., IL is borrowing an idea from the FED – selling bond to pay the interest on current bonds. Ponzi scheme? lol
January 20, 2012 at 7:41 am
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LOL – like it was ever destined to work (raising taxes). This is a stop-gap measure at this point. There is simply too much spending and waste on social programs that don’t benefit society in general, but do continue to buy certain constituencies for the Dumbocrats. There isn’t enough private money to cover the bets of the liberal politicians, and now it shows.
The new D Guv in CT raised taxes $3 billion and was then allegedly surprised at the revenue shortfall for the fiscal year of $95 million. Socialism doesn’t work and these two states (IL and CT) are among the lowest in new job creation. DUH.
January 20, 2012 at 7:10 am
Maybe we all are missing the point. The liberals raise benefits for their supporters as much as they can get away with regardless of the outcome.
Once the cash cow (taxpayer) is bled dry, they are voted out of office and then off they go to colleges, think tanks, and foundations while the tough decisions are made by evil conservatives.
Once the economies are healed, they return as “caring people” promising a Utopia.
January 20, 2012 at 7:11 am
Yes, that’s how it happens… but why to Republicans (not to be confused with Conservatives!) keep playing the game by rules set by the leftists… they need to pound back without letting up. Point out every single disaster caused by liberal policies. Meanwhile, Conservatives need to reclaim the GOP. Republicans in the past 20 years have been nothing but “Democrat Light”!
January 20, 2012 at 7:50 am
taxpayer is one minute late paying taxes, immediate interest, penalties, etc, etc. the blessed state of illinois pays late/doesn’t pay at all, sorry sucker.
January 20, 2012 at 7:17 am
Idiot liberal progressives….nary an idea of theirs has ever worked out. Loser philosophy.
January 20, 2012 at 7:23 am
Isn’t it telling that our “spend like a drunken sailor” Obama comes from a State that also spends like a drunken sailor. Must be something in the Chicago river that’s got into the drinking water.
January 20, 2012 at 7:57 am
Think about how wealthy the “government”officials in Chicago are getting while the people work to fill their coffers. The people in Chicago have received what they voted for – so I don’t see why they are complaining. http://www.insightfulstars.com
January 20, 2012 at 8:13 am
And we elected a Chicago thug as President of the United States! Illinois is coming for everyone soon enough.
January 20, 2012 at 8:17 am
the rest of the nation except for Kaliforna is laughing at you. This is what happens when you run out of other peoples money and proof that the communist (liberal) agenda just doesn’t work. Its also proof that there is no fix for stupid because people who are educated and intelligent still vote for the people who drop their quality of life, flush their freedoms down the toilet, and feed them the Jersey Shore.
January 20, 2012 at 8:20 am
This is so funny! When Illinois was thinking of raising taxes many people said you do that and we will take our money and run! Many conservative people also warned Illinois politicians that cutting spending and lowering taxes was the only way to solve the problem. Just like Obama, Pelosi and Reid democrats in Illinois think they are smarter and have the right answers to fixing our national debt. Tax and spend never works period. The governor of Wisconsin has the answers but was and is being aggressively attacked by the moochers and union thugs for doing the right thing. The people of Illinois deserve the cesspit they live in, after all they voted for it!
January 20, 2012 at 8:23 am
Let me see if I have this straight. The article says that the debt is $8.5 billion at most, right? An article last year at this time said that it is closer to $15 billion. That seems like progress to me.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-01-03/illinois-must-plug-13-billion-deficit-in-days-that-took-years-to-produce.html
I would also suggest that you get your information from other places than Fox News. Did any of you actually do any research to find out what the debt was last year and compare it to this year?
You are being lied to by the Republican Party. They want you to believe in Right-to-Work so that they can crush the unions that provide people with a decent wage and fill their companies with people who they think should be pleased with a $10 an hour job. They want to bring in jobs from out of state, but they don’t want to pay people enough money to offset rising costs such as food. They want you to be outraged that someone makes a decent wage and has a pension. Why are you so opposed to spreading the wealth just a little? Is ending the Bush Tax Cuts and requiring those making over $200,000 a year to pay 4% more in taxes really that bad? There are people on food stamps who are working but don’t have enough money to live normally because wages have gone down in this country while the monies of people like Mitt Romney have increased.
Do some research people, your anger is not directed at the right source.
January 20, 2012 at 8:24 am
Who cares about the republican party! Common sense and being able to balance a check book should allow you to see what is wrong in Illinois. You need to cut expenditures and stop giving moochers a free ride. Only creating jobs will increase your tax base and therefore fill your treasury. Your hipster ideas and Liberal arrogance is killing Liberal states like California and Illinois not to mention the U.S. as a whole! You believe the government has the right to force employers to pay a minimum wage and you also believe outrageous unions should be everywhere! People need to directly attack fools like you and shut you down. I bet you also believe unemployment benefits for life creates jobs! Keep on thinking that you have the correct ideas as your state dies from Liberal Socialist ideals! No wonder people are leaving your state in large numbers!
January 20, 2012 at 8:35 am
Snot, you are right in that I don’t care about the Republican Party. I can balance a checkbook, I have one myself. I was in debt myself once do to a under-regulated financial system. How did I get out of debt? I did 2 things: I increased the amount of money I have coming in and I decreased my spending.
Why can’t you compromise, Snot?
January 20, 2012 at 8:51 am
LOL….. remember …VOTE DEMOCRAT
The problem
Illinois residents are fleeing the state. When people leave, they take their purchasing power, entrepreneurial activity and taxable income with them. For more than 15 years, residents have left Illinois at a rate of one person every 10 minutes.
Recent data from the Internal Revenue Service shows that, in 2009, Illinois netted a loss of people to 43 states, including each of its neighbors – Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky and Iowa. Over the course of the entire year, the state saw a net of 40,000 people leave Illinois for another state.
The data reflects a continuation of a trend of out-migration from Illinois that has lasted more than a decade. Between 1995 and 2009, the state lost on a net basis more than 806,000 people to out-migration.
When people leave, they take their income and their talent with them. In 2009 alone, Illinois lost residents who took with them a net of $1.5 billion in taxable income. From 1995 to 2009, Illinois lost out on a net of $26 billion in taxable income to out-migration.
January 20, 2012 at 8:24 am
The US taxes individuals and businesses about 2 trillion dollars a year. The current new spending rate is about 1.5 to 2 times that, and the interest on existing debt is about the same maybe a bit higher than current taxes. If you doubled the tax rate of everyone, you’d still not have enough to pay the interest on existing debt, let alone cover new debt.
Hammering in new taxes can’t fix the problem. Like it or not spending needs to cut. It sucks because that will mean massive cuts in fed, state and local employees, and while you may applaud that – and I’m in favor of it – that translates into massive unemployment. Most of these people make a good buck, spend money and lack the skills to be absorbed into the private sector. This will further stress state and fed finances, depress retail and home sales more as even less people are able to afford to buy anything.
Sadly, the left’s alternative is to tax and spend away, thinking taxes and printing money will solve all the ills. Stand by for QE3 and inflation like you’ve never seen before…
More than half the states in the US have underfunded pensions – so many if not most of those employees aren’t getting those retirement bennies anyway. With gov’t debt increasing as noted above, we’ll soon reach a point where we’re unable to raise enough money to service existing debt and then KABOOM. Instant poverty for just about everyone.
There’s no easy solution here and it’s going to get substantially worse before it gets better. The only good news is that the US is in a far better position than just about any country in the world.
We’ve been betrayed by career politicians who are either crooks or lack any experience in managing a check book and a president who’s never held a private sector job and according to the wall street journal was mortgaged to the hilt on his home. Of course we’re the morons who put these guys in office. I hear many people cracking on Greece, but we’re right behind them.
January 20, 2012 at 8:28 am
10 Poorest Cities in America
VERY INTERESTING E-MAIL ALL THE WAY TO THE END….
AND THAT’S THE “TRUTH”
10 Poorest Cities in America and how did it happen
City, State, % of People Below the Poverty Level
1. Detroit , MI 32.5%
2. Buffalo , NY 29.9%
3. Cincinnati , OH 27.8%
4. Cleveland , OH 27.0%
5. Miami , FL 26.9%
5. St. Louis , MO 26.8%
7. El Paso , TX 26.4%
8. Milwaukee , WI 26.2%
9. Philadelphia , PA 25.1%
10. Newark , NJ 24.2%
U.S. Census Bureau,
2006 American Community Survey, August 2007
What do the top ten cities (over 250,000) with the highest poverty rate all have in common?
Detroit, MI
(1st on the poverty rate list)
hasn’t elected a Republican mayor
since 1961
Buffalo, NY (2nd)
hasn’t elected one since 1954
Cincinnati, OH – (3rd)..
since 1984
Cleveland, OH – (4th)..
since 1989
Miami, FL – (5th)
has never had a Republican mayor
St. Louis, MO – (6th)..
since 1949
El Paso, TX – (7th)
has never had a Republican mayor
Milwaukee , WI – (8th)..
since 1908
Philadelphia, PA – (9th)..
since 1952
Newark, NJ – (10th)…
since 1907.
Einstein once said,
‘The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again
and expecting different results.’
It is the poor who habitually elect Democrats ….
yet they are still POOR.
January 20, 2012 at 8:31 am
Yes, that is the definition of insanity. But the Republican mantra of cutting taxes on the right has proven to not work. We tried that in 2001 and 2003 with the Bush Tax Cuts, but there was no job growth. We didn’t get stories of new long-term well-paying jobs created, we got stories of how the rich took that money and put it in the Cayman Islands to avoid US taxation.
My point is that there can be compromise. We can make cuts, but we also have to raise more revenue.
January 20, 2012 at 8:36 am
When Bush left office our unemployment rate was almost half of what it is now! Raising taxes especially on business destroys jobs and severely reduces revenue! Texas created almost half of all jobs created in the U.S. last year! The GOP has nothing to do with the facts that high taxes will not create jobs nor will it make your life better! The average duration of unemployment when Bush left office was 19.8 weeks. That’s how long it took the average person who lost a job to find another one. Now it is 40.8 weeks. If you’re REALLY lucky.
Thanks for that “fundamental transformation” of America, Barry Hussein.
January 20, 2012 at 8:47 am
You got that right! Liberals are so full of themselves they could not see the problem if it hit them in the face! Hey WillardFace, did you read this?
January 20, 2012 at 8:38 am
I did read it, Snot. Again, an underfunded system that keeps the rich in their position and the poor in their position is what is doing this.
Your comment above that includes “Barry Hussain” demonstrates a lack of class and respect, and therefore I am leaving this discussion.
We can all disagree and debate issues, but using racist names to demean someone muddies whatever credibility you have.
Have a good day.
January 20, 2012 at 8:57 am
Willard face opens his comment by calling you snot then goes on about name calling isn’t right lmao
January 23, 2012 at 11:43 pm
Just announced!
2012 Democatic National Commitee theme song for the election, compliments of Edgar Winter:
“FREE RIDE”
January 20, 2012 at 8:32 am
2012 Republican National Committee slogan:
“Greed is good, greed is right.”
2012 Republican National Committee Strategy:
Convince middle class whites that their money is going to poor blacks and Hispanics instead of rich people.
January 20, 2012 at 8:40 am
I have a solution for this (now keep in mind I am not a demoRat but will think like one if my head does not explode) They need to tax the people at 100%, so in other words let the people work and the checks go straight to the government.
Not to worry if they do not have money for food they have to give and give more and all they have. Let the people sell things from their houses if the have to as long as the checks come in.
January 20, 2012 at 8:57 am
The problem in Illinois is that too many voters believe that they benefit from corruption. Maybe everyone has a brother-in-law with a government job he is not qualified for. Is that possible?
January 20, 2012 at 8:57 am
Illinois is the only state to not allow concealed carry. If they changed policy they could raise approx $100.00 per permit and reduce crime at the same time. Won’t cure the debt problem but will raise large sums of cash without having to listen to people whine (rightly so) avout taxes going up.
January 20, 2012 at 9:02 am
Pingback: Proof is in the pudding.. » Right Thinking
To those posting on here calling all of us in IL idiots, you’re wrong. A quick look at our last governor election will show that our current governor, Quinn, took only TWO (2) counties – but one of them was Cook, therefore he won. The rest of the state is red. This is a problem we face in pretty much every election.
The problem isn’t IL as a whole, the problem is Chicago. I used to jokingly say that Chicago should just go become it’s own state. Now I’m serious.
January 20, 2012 at 9:09 am
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Illinois is going to look like Detroit soon!
January 20, 2012 at 1:52 pm
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Pingback: Blue Illinois: Unpaid Bills, Downgrades, and Pensions
I wish they would stop the idiotic 67% garbage. The rate went from 3% to 5%. A lot of states have income tax rates above 5%. If the rate went from 1% to 2% they would report it as a 100% increase. Heck, if Texas started to collect income taxes at .001% they could call it an infinite tax increase.
As always, the problem is wasteful and overly generous spending, not a lack of revenue.
January 20, 2012 at 4:40 pm
Pingback: ILLINOIS FACING $8.5 BILLION DEBT AFTER INCREASING TAXES 67% LAST YEAR. « GILL REPORT – The official website of the Steve Gill Show
HAHAHAHAHA!!!! LOL @ Progressives!!!
How’s that 67% tax increase working out for your Progressives there in ILLinois???
Whatever you want less of = Just tax it
ILLinois has lost 10,000 jobs a month since your PROGRESS on raising taxes.
ILLinois = r.i.p.
January 20, 2012 at 5:40 pm
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Pingback: Despite tax increase Illinois continues to fall behind « St. Louis County GOP
I have been to Chicago, it’s unsafe,dirty and smells like garbage ! (fact) ! Oh and the roads suck, bad ! (fact) !
January 21, 2012 at 10:09 am
OMG, if I was a politician in Illinois I would be running for cover after this story. It shows how the Democrats do not have a clue how to run a government but only how to spend the money. I guess you cannot expect much from a state who elected Rahm for mayor but you all will be paying the price now. Good luck, you’re gonna need it.
January 21, 2012 at 12:17 pm
What do you expect its run by Democrats Illinois is a entitlement State like California. Liberalism is a Cancer that’s spreads..
January 21, 2012 at 1:53 pm
Well, I have an idea so bare with me. If we were to redraw the Illinois district maps such that it would be impossible to ever elect another Democrat in this state, I know that would be a good first step to solving our problems…. of course there would be Black Holes… starting with Chicago.
January 21, 2012 at 2:14 pm
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They should institutionalize all the politicals that think borrowing is the solution. Once those mentally challenged politicians are out of office the state might have a chance of getting back on it’s feet.
January 21, 2012 at 4:22 pm
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Pingback: Tale of two neighboring states: A failing Illinois and a Wisconsin Success story « Nancy J. Thorner
Bob from District 9
Forget the rest of the tripe you are trying to sell. The one thing you have right is the republicans are a big part of the problems we face. But get your story straight. The economy that Bush inherited was in good shape because the republicans took control of the house and the senate after the dems had taxed and spent for 40 years. Check clinton’s budget proposals for the years he was in office to get the truth. You are full of……beans friend.
January 22, 2012 at 9:55 pm
Taxed and spent for 40 years? Look back at the power structure for the last three presidents before Obama. My next response will cover your tax and spend line.
From 1981 to Jan 1, 2009
We had 8 years of Reagan in which the Republicans had control of
the Senate for 6. We had 4 years of Bush 1, we had 8 years of
Clinton in which the Republicans had control of congress for 6,
and we had 8 years of Bush, in which the Republicans had control
of congress for 6.
Beginning in 1981, when Reagan took office:
From 1981 till 2009 the Republicans held the presidency for 20
of the 28 years.
The Republicans held the presidency and at least one house of
congress for 16 out of 28 years.
There were only two years in which the Democrats controlled the
presidency and congress.
From 1995 to 2009 there were only two years in which the
Republicans did not control both houses of congress. And those
two they controlled one house. During those two years the Senate
was tied, so the Republican Vice President had the tie breaking
vote, which gave the Republicans control of the Senate, and
thereby the entire congress.
From 2001 till 2007 the Republicans controled the entire federal
government, Presidency, congress and the supreme court. For two
years the senate was evenly divided, but the Vice President could
cast the tie breaking vote.
After Jan 2007 the Democrats controled the House, and the senate
was tied 49-49, with two independents who caucused with the
dems, but were not otherwise bound by party rules.
Beginning in 1981 there has not been one single *DAY* in which
the Democrats have controlled the entire federal government.
Beginning in 1981 there were only two years, out of 28, that the
Democrats could enact one single law without Republican
cooperation. (Pass in congress and sign.)
Between 2001 and 2007 there was not even one year the
Republicans could *NOT* enact any bill they wanted without one
single Democratic vote.
.
January 23, 2012 at 3:58 pm
Now for the taxing and spending for 40 years.
According to the Federal Budget History files, 2010: At the end
of WW2 the debt load was almost 122% of GDP. It went down under
every president, war and peace, recession or prosperity, liberal
or conservative, republican or democrat, until Reagan. When
Reagan took office it was around 33%.
Under Reagan it started back up, under Clinton it started back
down again. Under Bush II it went back into climb mode.
In 1981, 32.6%, in 1989, 53.1%, in 1993, 66.2%, in 2001 57.4%,
in 2009 90.4%.
So, Obama was handed an economy that was at risk of another
depression, and a debt load that is headed for crushing.
If the country went into depression the GDP could drop as much
as 50%. The debt would not drop, so the debt load would become
horrendous. 90% jumps to 180%. Higher than this country has ever
seen. If the GDP dropped 25% that still pushes up the debt load
to around 130%. That is a crushing debt. And that is why we
might well not be able to get out of another depression.
However you add up the “tax and spend”, 100% of the post WWII increase in the debt to GDP ratio Obama inherited came from three anti-tax republican presidents.
Keep that in mind. The debt burden on this country only increased under anti-tax presidents. No amount of spending increase before that increased that ratio.
As to congress, note that the only connection was who was president, not who ran congress. That’s how the number add up, no matter what theory you might cite, no matter what republican talking points you might repeat.
January 23, 2012 at 4:03 pm
Bob From D 9
This is total bull sh!t and you know it, Obama’s out of control spending has sent the deficit in to new heights like it’s never seen before and Obama and the demogogs created the whole mess all of it. It had to be their fault because the Democrats claim to have balanced the budget and zeroed out the deficit with Bill Clinton. So the only thing that is pertinent is from 2000 to 2012 Obama had his chance and he failed miserably.
January 23, 2012 at 11:57 pm
Reagan sent the deficit in to where it had never been before. Bush sent the deficit to where it had never been before. Hell, George Washington sent the deficit to where it had never been before. Lincoln sent the deficit in to where it had never been before. That would add up to a 75% increase over 8 years, which is less than the doubling GW Bush did, less than the quadrupling Reagan and Bush I did.
Between inflation and the increase in the economy in general everything is where it never was before, in sheer numbers, but percentages are not.
It’s not just the democrats who claim to have zeroed out the deficit under Clinton, look at Bush’s Budget History files. They show it was balanced under Clinton also.
Your attempt to blame 2000 to 2012 on Obama is absurd, unless you claim Obama was really the president in 2001 to 2012. It took Clinton his entire first term to turn around the Reagan/Bush debacle. Obama was arrogant to think he could do it in less time, esp since he inherited a much worse situation. His big failure is in ignoring the advice of people like Paul Krugman, and giving in too much to the republicans.
I am not satisfied, but he’s still better than the alternatives. Maybe that’s how God is punishing us, by giving us candidates where all you have is the lesser evil, but that’s where it is.
January 24, 2012 at 3:28 pm
Oh, and one more thing I forgot to mention. Even you admit the economy Bush inherited was in good shape. You can’t even begin to claim the economy Obama inherited was in good shape.
Score, democrats 1 – republicans minus 1.
January 23, 2012 at 4:06 pm
Ok sense the economy Bush inherited was in such great shape everything you said is irrelevant because Obam took it over and made it worse and that’s the bottom line. Im out of here and won’t be back to listen to your garbage
January 24, 2012 at 12:05 am
Unemployment is down to the level it was when he took office. Bush did not achieve that in 8 years.
Bush doubled the national debt and increased the debt burden from 57% of GDP to pushing 90% of GDP.
Obama increased the national debt by about 25% in three years, and has very little room to increase the debt burden.
Reread what I posted about that before. Obama has been desperately trying to stop the slide of the country into a full depression. I don’t think he’s done it quite right, but a lot better than his three republican predecessors.
January 24, 2012 at 3:16 pm
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