DeKalb Times

Dixon Mayor Liandro “Li” Arellano can’t see how anything will be different this time around for Democrats intent on pressing for a progressive tax hike.

“I think voters have already sent a strong message about not trusting Springfield with more of their money,” Arellano told the DeKalb Times. “I think this is a desperate attempt to find a way to keep growing spending the same way they always do.”

In November, voters resoundingly rejected a similar proposal. The measure failed to reach the 60% benchmark needed to pass by approximately 13 points. The policy had been heavily pushed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, pumping millions of dollars of his own money into a campaign designed to get it over the finish line.

House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch said in February that Democrats might attempt another shot approving the tax supporters insist will mean higher rates for the state’s most affluent.

This time around, Welch said revenues generated from the tax would go toward paying down the state’s $141 billion pension fund debt.

“I think they realize the public’s not going to trust them with more of their money just because they raise the issue, so they’re trying to say things voters may be more comfortable with,” Arellano said. “Maybe a few more people may be swayed by their effort to tie the increase to something like pensions, but most can still clearly see they haven’t gotten spending under control.”

Arellano also pointed out that Springfield’s track record of claiming they’re going to use tax hike money for one thing and ultimately spending it on something entirely different.

“They need to show they can run a budget and be efficient in doing it before asking for anything else,” he said. “Right now, voters don’t trust the state, and they have every reason not to.”