Park Forest Area League of Women Voters Hosts Meeting on Illinois Income Tax

The
League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area will host an educational meeting
on the Illinois income tax  on Wednesday, December 11, at 7:00 PM at the
Park Forest Public Library, 400 Lakewood Boulevard in Park Forest. 

This program
will be about the campaign to change to Illinois income tax from a flat rate
tax to a graduated rate income tax.  The presentation will explain why the
League supports the proposed constitutional amendment allowing a graduated rate
income tax. Legislation (HJRCA 33/SJRCA 40) is pending in Springfield for a
constitutional amendment on a fair tax allowing for higher rates on higher
incomes and lower rates on lower incomes. The League of Women Voters
Illinois (LWVIL) supports this plan, rather than the flat tax now imposed
in Illinois. LWVIL believes this amendment will bring fairness to
Illinois' tax code, helping Illinois’ families. It will help Illinois
protect key priorities such as education, public safety, health care, and
human services. These vital services have been significantly shortchanged
in recent years because of Illinois' systemic budget problems; the result
of an out-of-date tax code which overburdens 

middle income
families. The legislation embodies another important principle: citizen
participation. If adopted by the General Assembly, this referendum would
ask Illinois voters if they want to amend the 1970 Illinois Constitution,
which currently states that the personal income tax must be non-graduated
(flat). 

The meeting
is open to the public and anyone interested in the topic is encouraged to
attend to learn more about this important issue.

The
League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization which encourages
informed and active participation in government, works to increase
understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy
through education and advocacy. The League does not support or oppose any
candidate for public office. Anyone interested in promoting responsible
government is invited to be a member. For more information about the program or
membership in the League, please contact Mary Lubertozzi, 708-747-1359.