Hurley Backs Measures Opposing “Lame Duck” Tax Hikes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, continued her push for accountability in the lawmaking process this week by supporting legislation making it more difficult to levy new taxes on area residents during the “lame duck period” between the election and the new General Assembly taking office.

“Votes regarding income tax levels deserve the accountability that accompanies the trust placed in Representatives through the General Elections,” Hurley said. “We should not have outgoing legislators raising taxes on working families in the 11th hour of their tenure in the General Assembly.”

The “lame duck” period refers to the time between the General Election and the swearing in of the new General Assembly where outgoing legislators retain their power to vote despite having lost the confidence of their constituents. Hurley is sponsoring House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 62, which would require any revenue increase voted on during this period to receive a three-fifths majority vote; in place of the simple majority required under current law. Additionally, Hurley is also sponsoring House Resolution 1494 which opposes any new tax increase during the final days of the 99th General Assembly. The two legislative items will make it harder to institute a tax increase during this period of low accountability.

“Illinois residents are tired of moving from one crisis to another, and being forced to foot the bill for Springfield mismanagement,” Hurley said. “We need a balanced solution to our budget issues that maintains the high standard of accountability residents expect.

House Resolution 1494 and House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 62 both passed the Illinois House with bipartisan support.

For more information, please contact Hurley’s constituent service office at 773-445-8128 or repfranhurley@gmail.com.