The Rev. Phalese Binion worked to help people find affordable housing, but she didn’t truly understand the property tax problem until she bought her own home. Now the former union member sees a new property tax threat from Amendment 1.
New research from the Illinois Policy Institute projects that commercial property taxes for Illinois businesses will grow to almost $2 billion by 2026. Amendment 1 on the Nov. 8 ballot would likely increase that amount even more. Illinois Policy Institute Vice President Austin Berg explains why Amendment 1 would make Illinois’ notorious business climate even...
“Others should also vote ‘no’ for Amendment 1 since its costs are undefined and limitless. Property tax increases hurt everyone, and Amendment 1 will only make it worse. This is unsustainable.”
Three years after Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot campaigned on a pledge to reduce fines and fees, the city issued over 1 million parking tickets in the first half of 2022 – a 25% bump from the same period a year earlier.
“Anything that enhances or expands the roles of public sector unions in our state, is from a financial standpoint at a minimum, likely to result in a higher cost of living for Illinois residents, regardless of your class, retired or working. I think this amendment will negatively affect anyone who is a taxpayer.”
OPEC decided to slow down oil production. Every state can expect higher gas prices, but Illinois taxes make the pain worse.
Proponents of Amendment 1 claim it applies to all workers, mimics other state constitutions and would help the economy. Wrong. Wrong. And wrong.
"Amendment 1 wants to give union bosses more power and raise taxes again? I can’t vote for this!”
The Cook County College Teachers Union voted to strike by the end of October if an agreement is not reached. Union members are demanding subsidies for student housing and child care costs along with higher wages and smaller classes.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker took the debate stage claiming property taxes in Illinois have gone down thanks to his administration. In truth, the average Illinois family is paying over $2,000 more in property taxes than before he took office.
Statewide commercial property tax extensions are on pace to total $11.3 billion by 2026. Amendment 1’s expansion of government union power would likely accelerate that $1.8 billion increase.
Illinois will contribute $450 million to the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. With $1.4 billion in debt remaining, Illinois businesses are on the hook if lawmakers don’t meet the Nov. 10 deadline.