Scherer Helps Block Tax Increases on Working Families

DECATUR Ill. – In line with her firmly-held opposition to tax increases on middle-class and working families, state Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur, joined a bipartisan group Wednesday to oppose attempts to raise income taxes on residents through a loophole open in January 2017.

“I ran for state representative because I believe that burdens on working-class families like the 2011 income tax hike are wrong and must be stopped,” Scherer said. “Sneaky, behind-the-scenes actions like raising taxes after legislators are no longer accountable to their district’s residents hurts families and our state, and I will work to stop this.”

Under current law, it is easier to pass tax increases during a brief period between the New Year and when newly elected representatives join the General Assembly. Scherer believes this loophole must be closed, and tax increase votes must be made more difficult to pass. On Wednesday, Scherer spoke in favor of House Resolution 1494 to call on the governor and legislative leaders to reject any attempts to pass tax increases in this ‘lame duck’ loophole. She joined a bipartisan majority to pass the measure.

The same day, Scherer attended a morning committee in support of House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 62 to change the state constitution and close the loophole that allows tax increases to pass with fewer votes. Scherer is one of the bipartisan co-sponsors of this measure and is pushing for its passage this week.

“Residents in my communities want lower taxes and they deserve a say in the policies that affect their lives, and I will work to make state law and the state constitution accountable to them,” said Scherer. “It should be very difficult to pass tax increases, but regardless of the number of votes needed, I care and will continue voting against any attempts to raise taxes on middle-class and working families.”

For more information, please contact Scherer’s constituent service office at 217-877-9636 or by email at StateRepSue@gmail.com. Scherer represents the 96th District, which includes portions of Christian, Macon and Sangamon counties.