By Kyle Maichle

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois: On an action-packed last day of lame duck session in the Illinois General Assembly, lawmakers labored through long hours to pass the largest tax increase in state history. ^[1]

During the afternoon of January 11, 2011, the State House approved a 67 percent income tax increase on a narrow 60 to 57 vote. This raises the flat income tax of 3 percent up to 5 percent. Also, the state’s base corporate tax was increased from 4.8 to 7 percent. In the previous days leading up to vote, Democrat lawmakers were undecided on raising the income tax up to 5 or 5.25 percent. ^[1]

During an emotionally charged debate on the House floor, Representative Barbara Flynn Currie (D-Chicago) argued the merits for raising the taxes by saying: “it’s time for us to be adults, face the crisis, and figure out a solution.” However, Rep. Roger Eddy (R-Hutsonville) blasted the proposal by saying that: “we’re saying to the people of Illinois for eight years we’ve overspent, now we’re going to make it your problem.” ^[1]

In the late night hours, the State Senate had their turn to consider the tax hike. Before the Senate casted their votes, State Rep. David Miller collapsed while watching fellow lawmakers debate the proposal. The Chicago Sun-Times reported that Miller was released from Springfield’s St. John’s Hospital at 6:00 AM the next morning according to hospital spokeswoman Sherry Puccetti. Puccetti said that Miller had a case of dizziness. ^[2]

When the Senate resumed debate, Minority Leader Christine Radogno blasted Democrats for not doing enough to streamline Illinois government. Radongo said: “the one thing that’s lacking in this bill is any specifics about how we’re going to retool state government.” However, Senate President John Cullerton warned to lawmakers that: “we are in desperate need to improve our bond ratings. We will do that by raising this money (taxes)”. The Senate approved the tax increases on a close 30-29 vote at 1:20 AM-CST.

Organizations representing businesses in Illinois, including the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, argue that raising taxes would be counterproductive to needed job growth in the state. John O’Hara of the Illinois Policy Institute said taxpayers would lose out on new federal tax reductions as a result of Illinois raising taxes. O’Hara said: “the average Illinois family would save about $800 in taxes. That’s essentially wiped out now.” ^[1]

A spokesperson for Governor Pat Quinn said that he would sign the tax increase bill into law as soon as possible. ^[1]

OLYMPIA, Washington: A grand total of nine measures appeared on the November 2 statewide ballot in the state of Washington but only four were approved by voters. Approved measures included: I-1053, I-1107, SJR 8225 and HJR 4220.

Like California, Washington had some of the country’s highest grossing measures with campaign dollars in the millions on more than one occasion. On November 2, several of the the state’s hotly debated measures failed to collect sufficient support despite the millions of dollars in campaign support. Initiative 1098, a measure proposing a state income tax, was defeated by 53%. Likewise, I-1100 was defeated by 53%. A closely related measure, I-1105 resulted in a higher percentage in opposition. The measure failed with 65% opposed.

Results

Below are the overall results for the State of Washington.

Type	Title	Subject	Description	Result
ITP	Initiative 1053	Taxes	Will require 2/3 supermajority vote of the Washington State Legislature, or a statewide vote, for tax increases	a
ITP	Initiative 1082	Labor	Would amend workers’ compensation insurance in the state	d
ITP	Initiative 1098	Taxes	Taxes gross income above $200,000 for individuals, $400,000 for couples. Reduces state property tax by 20% and reduces certain business and occupation taxes	d
ITP	Initiative 1100	Alcohol	Closes state liquor stores and authorizes sale, distribution, & importation by private parties	d
ITP	Initiative 1105	Alcohol	Close all state liquor stores and license private parties to sell or distribute spirits. Revises certain laws concerning regulation, taxation and state revenues	d
ITP	Initiative 1107	Taxes	Would repeal certain 2010 amendments to state tax laws including a sales tax on candy and bottled water and a temporary excise tax on soda pop	a
LRSS	Referred Bill 52	Bond issues	Authorizes bonds for construction and repair projects increasing energy efficiency in public schools and higher ed. buildings	d
LRCA	SJR 8225	State budget	Adjusts the state debt limits	a
LRCA	HJR 4220	Law enforcement	Gives judges authority to deny bail whenever they deem the public at risk	a