While acknowledging that a tax hike may be inevitable, Illinois’ business leaders say deeper spending cuts, health care reform and changes in state pensions should come first.
While acknowledging that a tax hike may be inevitable, Illinois’ business leaders say deeper spending cuts, health care reform and changes in state pensions should come first. Illinois Manufacturers’ Association CEO Greg Baise and other state business leaders have been invited to the Gov. Pat Quinn’s office next week to discuss his plans for raising the income tax. Baise said Wednesday he appreciates the governor’s willingness to talk, but he says it appears Quinn has made up his mind about steps he’ll take to close an estimated $11.5 billion budget deficit. Pete Gill of the Illinois Retail Merchants Association said the group likes the theory, but not the specifics, of the governor’s proposal for an August tax holiday. Gill says Quinn would pay for the holiday by cutting what retailers are reimbursed for collecting sales taxes. ______ Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
About Post Author
