Sangamon Sun

Illinois Senate leaders had hoped to hold a vote as early as today on a proposed budget plan that would raise the personal income tax rate to at least 4.95 percent, but the complex nature of the deal may delay a vote on the matter.

The plan, crafted by Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and Minority Leader Christine Radogno (R–Lemont), has continued to evolve in recent days and would reportedly borrow $7 billion to pay off bills, expand legalized gambling, impose stricter rules on workers’ compensation and freeze local property taxes for two years.

Originally, the plan proposed a new tax on sugary drinks; however, due to strong opposition from a number of business groups, that aspect of the plan has been nixed, the Chicago Tribune reported Tuesday.

Senate leaders have been negotiating the deal in an attempt to solve the state’s unprecedented budget stalemate -- which has lasted 18 months.

Though some may view the proposal as a sign of progress between Springfield Republicans and Democrats, many are concerned that Illinoisans cannot shoulder any more tax hikes.

For more, the Sangamon Sun reached out to Carol Davis, founder and coordinator at West Suburban Patriots -- an independent Tea Party group in DuPage County -- to get her take on the proposal.

Q: What are your thoughts on the proposed budget deal?

A: As the founder of one of the oldest and largest tea party groups in the nation, I am vehemently against this proposed "budget deal."

Q: Do you believe state legislators should raise taxes or cut spending?

A: Our legislators must cut spending! No amount of additional money will ever be enough, because whatever they receive, they spend recklessly. Taxpayers are fleeing this state in droves. We have reached a death spiral that might not be able to be stopped.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

A: Here is our official position on this issue: Illinois Sens. Radogno (R) & Cullerton (D) have a deal to raise taxes. It does not cut spending. It does (not) solve the pension crisis.

Pensions take about 25 percent of the general fund (most states around 7 percent) and pension liability is still growing.

How about something real for a temporary tax increase, like allowing a vote on an Illinois Constitution amendment to let the legislature fix the pension crisis?