Miracle in Chicago
When you hear someone mention “Chicago politics”, you don’t exactly think good things.
Corruption… yes. But progressive tax reform? No.
Well, maybe it’s time to think again. Last week, the state legislature in Illinois decided that in order to solve their budget problem, they needed to do something. But instead of pandering to the cut-and-run crowd, they did something that is virtually unheard of for any lawmaking body in the 21st century – they raised taxes AND cut spending. I know – take a moment to let that soak in.
“We have just come through the worst economic crisis in our lifetime…and we have not paid our bills,” Senate President John Cullerton, D-Chicago, told lawmakers shortly before the vote. “We are going to have to cut…even with this tax. We’re going to have to spend less money then we have in the last two years. And it’s going to be tough. But we are going to have our bills paid.”
Any time a group of lawmakers acts responsibly, and for the common good, it it noteworthy. However, when it happens in Illinois, it is a reason to truly celebrate. Sure, they did it in a lame-duck session, and there will undoubtedly be unintended consequences as a result of their actions, but bravo to lawmakers who actually understand that there are two sides to a balance sheet.
Maybe North Carolina lawmakers could stand up and make a similar stand? If it can happen in Chicago…
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