Conroy Fights Against Lame Duck Tax Increase

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Two measures supported by state Rep. Deb Conroy, D-Villa Park, to block efforts to raise taxes during outgoing legislators’ final days in office were approved by the House this week.

“Middle-class families already face a rising cost of living and skyrocketing property taxes, and a last minute income tax increase pushed through in the final days of lawmakers’ terms would only add another undue burden to residents,” Conroy said. “Politicians in Springfield, especially those in their final days in office, do not have the standing to ask residents for more revenue.”

House Joint Constitutional Amendment 62 would increase the number of votes needed to increase taxes during a lame duck session after a November election and before the new legislature is sworn in. Rather than the 60 votes that were needed to pass the 2011 income tax increase during a lame duck session, HJRCA 62 would require a three-fifths majority vote, or 71 votes. Additionally, Conroy supported House Resolution 1494 to reaffirm her fight against any tax increase in the waning days of the current General Assembly.

“We saw in 2011 that last minute political maneuvers led to a tax increase that directly hit working families,” Conroy said. “I am committed to continue working towards a long-term solution that balances the budget and protects needed services but jamming through a tax increase on residents who are already struggling is not the solution.”

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