Those seeking tax increases will never have enough

Those seeking tax increases will never have enough

By Jim Peschke

They didn't even wait for the ink to dry on their property tax increases.  Barely one week after browbeating homeowners into new taxes, Advance 300 joins Huntley's tax-n-spend crowd to demand even more of your money.  The state, not the county collector, will do their dirty work this time.
 
The plan follows the same formula used to get your property taxes.  A "citizens group" is being formed to provide the illusion that the plan is the result of community input.  In reality, the plan has already been determined.  I'll save residents the trouble of attending their meetings (Google "Delphi Technique") by explaining what they plan to do.
 
The plan, often called HB-750, is the work of Ralph Martire from the union-funded Center for Tax and Budget Accountability.  It has many variations, but its central theme is to raise state taxes with a promise to reduce property taxes.
 
It is euphemistically called a "tax swap."  In reality, the tax increases always outweigh the tax cuts, typically between four to eight billion dollars per year.  Under this plan, the new taxes and education spending levels would be guaranteed by law.  However, the property tax cuts are not.
 
Supporters of HB-750 spin eloquent yet flawed arguments as to why this is such a good idea, but cannot escape the simple reality that HB-750 represents an enormous tax increase with no accountability.  District 300's recent tax increase will cost homeowners hundreds of millions.  Where does it end?  Will they ever be satisfied?!
 
BEST and Advance 300 had better hurry.  Once residents feel the pain of their recent property tax increases, a state tax increase will become an even harder sell.