Willis Votes to Take Lame Duck Tax Increase Off the Table

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As legislators close out the Fall veto session and some prepare to leave office, state Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Addison, is backing a series of resolutions to help ensure that politicians do not approve a last-minute tax hike.

“The General Assembly has a reputation of waiting until the final moments of session to approve hikes on taxpayers and that is unfair to the working men and women of our state who expect accountability from their lawmakers,” said Willis. “These resolutions will show taxpayers that we are serious about fixing the state’s underlying problems, which will require better solutions than another tax increase voted on my legislators who are ending their terms.”

One of the proposed pieces of legislation is a constitutional amendment that would require three-fifths House and Senate supermajorities to raise taxes until the new General Assembly is seated after the election. Lawmakers in past sessions have used the post-election lame-duck session, and its lower threshold to pass bills, as a way to enact significant legislation while avoiding voter retribution. Another resolution states opposition to a tax increase as a means to solve the state’ budget problems. Coupled together, Willis states the measures will show that many members are focused on finding real solutions to the state’s budget deficit.

“We need to be focused on growing businesses in Illinois to attract good-paying jobs to boost our economy,” said Willis. “This requires open and transparent discussions about the steps needed to be taken and we need to avoid last-minute tax increases voted on by lame-duck legislators as they head out the door.”

Willis is serving her second term in the Illinois General Assembly as State Representative of the 77th District, which includes O’Hare Airport and portions of Addison, Bellwood, Bensenville, Franklin Park, Maywood, Melrose Park, Northlake, Stone Park, and Wood Dale.

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