The lllinois chapter of Americans for Prosperity (AFP-IL) is taking aim at 16 state legislators who voted to override Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto and pass a budget that carries the largest permanent tax hike in state history.
“We’re committed to promoting free market practice and concerned about the 32 percent income tax increase that comes with the new budget,” AFP-IL State Director Andrew Nelms told the Sangamon Sun. “We think citizens need to know what role their representative played in raising taxes. We will be reaching out to citizens in general and expressing what impact this monstrosity of a plan will have on their personal budgets.”
Nelms said specific lawmakers were targeted based on the organization’s existing infrastructure and limited resources. They are Steve Andersson (R-Geneva), Dan Beiser (D-Alton), Deb Conroy (D-Villa Park), Fred Crespo (D-Hoffmann Estates), Mike Fortner (R-West Chicago), Michael Halpin (D-Rock Island), David Harris (R-Arlington Heights), Stephanie Kifowit (D-Aurora), Natalie Manley (D-Joliet), Bill Mitchell (R-Forsyth), Anna Moeller (D-Elgin), Brandon Phelps (D-Harrisburg), Sue Scherer (D-Decatur), Carol Sente (D-Vernon Hills), Michael Unes (R-East Peoria) and Kathleen Willis (D-Addison).
Nelms said the campaign will consist of direct mail, online advertising and “grassroots efforts.” The group’s main message is that the budget was approved without addressing out-of-control property tax concerns.
“Accountability is the main focus of ours, and we will continue to remind people of how this happened,” Nelms said. “We don’t engage in express advocacy, but our citizen education campaign has already begun.”
The new $36.1 billion state budget pushed personal income tax rates to 4.95 percent from 3.75 percent and corporate income tax rates to 7 percent from 5.25 percent
“Springfield is demanding that the people who pay some of the highest property taxes in the country forfeit more of their hard-earned money because of this permanent 32 percent increase in the state income tax,” Nelms said.
