Governor Pat Quinn
(Springfield, IL) – February 16, 2010. Here they come.
Some 3,000 social service providers and clients, educators and students, faith leaders, seniors, consumer advocates, state and local government employees and others will descend on Springfield for rally in the state capitol on Wednesday, February 17.
They are dressing up their call for an income tax increase with a demand for “a responsible budget” from Illinois lawmakers.
The Responsible Budget Coalition, a statewide campaign of some 200 organizations, is organizing the rally.
As with any rally of this size, many lawmakers will be heading for the exits or hiding in their offices. Typical.
Against a backdrop of further looming Illinois budget cuts by the Illinois General Assembly and Governor Pat Quinn to education, health care, public safety and other basic services, the coalition claims it is “… gaining momentum in support of a balanced approach that raises adequate revenue for services, saves jobs and reforms the state’s unfair tax structure.”
Since last year, lawmakers who voted against an income tax increase remain more or less opposed, particularly in an election year brimming with surly voters and Tea baggers stirring local tea pot tempests.
We Can’t Wait activities include:
• Rally with 3,000 participants and 20 speakers from every part of Illinois, state capitol rotunda, Wed., Feb. 17, 11:00 a.m.
• Launch of campaign video at http://www.youtube.com/ILResponsibleBudget.
• Delivery of letter to legislative leaders signed by more than 1,000 interdenominational faith leaders statewide, at the capitol today, Tues., Feb. 16.
• AARP tele-town hall to be attended by some 20,000 seniors, Wed., Feb. 17.
• Full-page advertisement in State Journal-Register, Wed., Feb. 17.
Count the converts among legislators to an income tax increase and you will be able to measure the success of all the coalition whirl.
Gov. Pat Quinn
Had Pat Quinn chosen not to run for election as Governor, just as Burris chose not to run for the Senate, something might have been accomplished this year. (Using the votes of Democrats and some Republicans who had contested primaries but safe general elections).
It is doubtful however that there will be any responsible action this session, just larger bandaids.
Posted by Philip S. Krone | February 17, 2010, 7:08 AM