How Illinois deals with the deficit

[CARLHAYDEN]

Several weeks ago I told Muon that I expected the Illinois government to rely primarily on tax increases to cover the budget deficit.

Well, 

Income tax hike deal reached; Death penalty abolition advances

BY DAVE MCKINNEY Sun-Times Springfield Bureau Chief Jan 6, 2011 11:58PM

SPRINGFIELD — Gov. Quinn struck a deal with the Legislature’s ruling Democrats Thursday to raise the state income tax by 75 percent and boost the tax on cigarettes by $1 a pack — while a push to abolish the death penalty scored a historic legislative victory.

http://www.suntimes.com/news/3188361-418/death-tax-percent-state-quinn.html

[CARLHAYDEN]

Oh, and its not just income taxes...

January 6, 2011, 12:21 PM

Illinois moves to tax online purchases

Lawmakers in Illinois have voted for a 6.25% tax on online retail purchases.

http://www.internetretailer.com/2011/01/06/illinois-moves-tax-online-purchases

[Franzl]

We need it.

[Brittain33]

Freedom isn't free.

3% income tax is much lower than I would have guessed it was.

[tpfkaw]

Freedom isn't free.

Considering that Illinois is ranked 42nd out of 50 states when it comes to overall freedom (29th out of 50 in economic freedom and 49th out of 50 in personal freedom), I'd have to say that's not a terribly good deal they're offering.

[Franzl]

So who was the real fiscal conservative in the gubernatorial election? I'm happy I voted for him.

[Brittain33]

Freedom isn't free.

Considering that Illinois is ranked 42nd out of 50 states when it comes to overall freedom (29th out of 50 in economic freedom and 49th out of 50 in personal freedom), I'd have to say that's not a terribly good deal they're offering.

I believe that America is the best country in the world, and we lead the world in freedom. Last time I checked, Illinois is in the very heart of America.

As far as personal freedom, I don't know how they rank those states... is it gun control or something? I know I'd feel a lot freer on a personal count living in Illinois than in many other states, and not just because I'm gay.

I'm going to guess that if this is a libertarian or conservative group doing the ranking, it will claim that a state where I can be fired solely for being gay is a state where I enjoy greater economic freedom.

[CARLHAYDEN]

So, just how many Republicans in the legislature (House, Senate) will support the tax increases?