The state of Illinois is at the beginning of what appears to be a robust and lengthy debate on the subject of taxes. It is an issue that sharply divides people. I think if we were just fighting about tax code it would be an easier debate to have but we aren’t just fighting about tax code. We are fighting about:
Equality And Inequality: Every society has income inequalities. If there is no strategy to deal with these inequalities then the economic system can become oppressive. The question becomes, is the tax code the best way to deal with these inequalities? Certainly other systems have a contribution to make: family, faith, and community have historically made a major contribution on the issue of inequality. Income inequality is worth discussing.
Efficiency: Everyone wants their hard earned dollars to be used in the most efficient way possible. Is the tax code and government the most effective strategy for seeing that money gets to where it needs to go? Obviously there are some things only government can do. There are some things other organizations can do. What is the best strategy? It is certainly worth discussing.
Economics: Every state needs wealthy people in it to build the economy and employ people. Will the progressive tax increase drive some of these individuals from our state? It is worth discussing.
No one has all the answers and many have an initial emotional reaction to the governors proposal. There has been a lot of sarcasm and even name calling on all sides of this issue. We need discussion not reaction. We need to talk about the right things in the right way. That is my prayer for our state.
Encourage, Challenge, and Equip 