When: 7:00 PM on March 13, 2012.

Where: Streamwood High School Auditorium, 701 W. Schaumburg Road, Streamwood, IL

More information: U-46, LWV, teachers union, Daily Herald team up for candidate forum

School District U46, LWV, the Teachers’ Union and the Daily Herald have teamed up to present this forum so candidates and voters can discuss education related issues.

For one thing, I was even more disgusted than usual when I thought about the hyper focus we put on cutting jobs and programs that support middle and lower income citizens. How can we make this our first priority when people who earn more than $1 million per year are paying effective tax rates that are half of what the rest of us pay? Do we need to make smart cuts that keep our expenses as low as possible? Of course! But before we ask for ever-more-painful sacrifices from the folks who are suffering the most AND who are paying the highest effective tax rates, we need to look toward the folks who are best able to contribute and who are currently paying the lowest effective tax rates.

Also, this is a jobs issue on several fronts. For example, as I mention in the video, the President of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce identified investments in education and infrastructure as key factors in job growth. This takes money, money that we won’t have without something like the CTBA proposal.

Finally, it’s important to note that this issue is as much about small d democratic principles as it is about fiscal considerations and job growth. A strong majority of Illinois citizens support a move to progressive rates but in order to make this happen we need to amend the state constitution. This would require a 3/5 vote in both chambers of the General Assembly, followed by an opportunity for us to vote on the proposed amendment. In other words, it would all come down to what we, as voters, actually want for ourselves.

We can debate the specifics of the CTBA proposal but it is hard to argue with the basic idea, an idea that avoids balancing the budget on the backs of our neediest citizens, that moves toward a fairer and more sustainable tax structure, and that upholds democratic principles.

For more information about the case for creating a graduate income tax in Illinois, visit the CTBA website here.

I have always believed that moving to progressive rates is part of the solution but two recent developments underscore the vital importance of this policy objective. First, in the aftermath of Gov. Quinn’s budget proposals it seemed that we could be facing severe budget cuts that would fall disproportionately on people who are struggling. Second, on February 29 the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability released a report that includes an eye-opening progressive rate proposal that would serve the dual objectives of instituting fair tax rates and solving a big part of our fiscal problem.

Before I get to the details of the CTBA plan, let me say a few words about our current system. At present, people in the bottom 20% of our economy (less than $18K) pay 13.7% of their income in state and local taxes while the top 1% pay only 5.3%. And the numbers don’t get too much better until you get to the very top. For example, people in the income range of $58K to $95K (the 60-80% range) pay 10.7%. The bottom line is that our current system has it exactly backwards; we impose the highest tax burden on the folks who can least afford it.

With that backdrop, the CTBA report gives me hope that we can start moving in a better direction when it comes to tax fairness, dealing with the budget mess, preserving vital programs, and allowing for future growth via prudent investments in education and infrastructure. Here are the highlights of the CTBA proposal:

• A true progressive rate structure where the top bracket kicks in at $1M.
• 94% of taxpayers (everyone under $150K) get a tax break compared to where we are now.
• $2.4B in additional revenue compared to where we are now.
• Projected job growth of at least 36,000 jobs.

1. Voting early guards against unexpected events: Illness, injury, car trouble, family events, etc. can conspire to trip you up at the last minute on Election Day. Vote early, as a preventive measure.
2. If there is any problem at all with your registration, or status as a voter, you’ll find out early and have time to resolve the issue.
3. You have more control over the process: You get to pick the day and location for exercising your right to vote.
4. In the event that your employment schedule conflicts with the availability of your designated polling place, you’re covered.
5. Early voting takes you out of the Election Day rush (and long lines) associated with early morning and dinner-time hours.
6. When you have to be away from home, whether for school or scheduled travel, you’re covered.
7. Voting early makes it easier for others to vote. Fewer people at the polls on Election Day makes for shorter lines and faster voting times.
8. Early voters have a more relaxed opportunity to meet those individuals — election staff, volunteers, and other early voters — who care most about the democratic process, and making sure that your vote counts.
9. Voting early is one of the most important and patriotic things we do. By voting early, you free yourself up to volunteer on Election Day and help others, while participating more fully in the process.
10. Lastly, by voting early, you get to relax early — and ignore all of the robo-calls and endless yard signs, because you’ve already done your duty!

Find early voting schedules, polling places, and other important information for Cook County and DuPage County, by clicking the aforementioned links.

“The race to represent the Democrats in the state Senate’s 23rd District features three highly engaging candidates, all of whom combine energetic thinking and a sincere interest in the welfare of the state and the district. We prefer Greg Brownfield, of Bartlett, as the candidate with the best combination of background and ideas for mounting a fall campaign. Like his opponents Kevin Allen, of Addison, and Thomas Cullerton, of Villa Park, he is affected by a hint of newcomer’s optimism about just how difficult it can be to influence change in Springfield, but he also exhibits a capacity for learning and adaptation that suggests he could indeed be an independent voice among Democrats and still accomplish some of his goals for controlling spending, improving transparency and protecting Illinois’ most vulnerable citizens. Allen has an impressive record of civic involvement and has done his homework on issues facing state government. Cullerton may have a slightly less-detailed approach to state issues, but his experience as a trustee and currently village president in Villa Park give him some insights into working with people in a government setting. Ultimately, though, Brownfield offers the strongest hope for balancing thoughtful independence and effective leadership.”