by:  Diane Benjamin

Just like the Modified Ward referendum, the schools decided to put an important vote to raise Sales Taxes on a PRIMARY ELECTION ballot.  Primaries have low voter turnout, one has to wonder why they picked this election.  With 2 important ballot initiatives, I doubt voter turn out will be as low as they want it to be.  Voters will not have to pick Democrat or Republican, both issues will be available without declaring a party.

Why vote NO?  It’s for the kids!  Well, not really.  This is a permanent tax whether the schools need the money or not.  The tax is a trap for citizens.  Real estate taxes can still be raised and the schools can borrow money against future sales tax receipts – this creates even more debt.

The Bloomington-Normal area is going through changes.  State Farm IS transferring employees out.  Growth appears to be ending. Illinois financial policies are less than conducive for business, every week some announce they are moving out.  When other states have a much stronger financial position, it’s easy for them to lure Illinois businesses and people.

Passing a Sales Tax increase now is bad timing.  We don’t know what the future needs of the districts will be.  We don’t know how many students won’t be here in a year or two.  Higher taxes make it even harder for businesses because the tax sucks money from people who won’t have it to spend at their establishments.

Hurting business and giving the school districts the means to increase debt is not good policy.  It’s really bad public policy to teach our kids.   We should be showing them fiscal responsibility in tough times, not more taxes.

Vote NO

inform your friends and neighbors

and make sure they vote too

 

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