REAL REASON FOR OUSTING BLAGOJEVICH: RAISE STATE INCOME TAX

CHICAGO–Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s indiscreet comments regarding Pres. Elect Barack Obama’s vacated Senate seat are being used as an excuse to replace him with Governor-in-waiting Patrick Quinn, charged the president of Taxpayers United of America (TUA).

“Corruption has very little to do with it,” said Jim Tobin, TUA President. “The Chicago political machine politicians who wish to replace Blagojevich have set the standard for corruption. The real reason for replacing Blagojevich with Lt. Gov. Quinn is to have a governor who supports raising the state personal income tax.”

“What really galls the Illinois political establishment is that Gov. Blagojevich has kept his promise to oppose any increase in the state income tax. Multi-million-dollar pension benefits being enjoyed by retired government employees are eating through billions of taxpayer dollars. There are 2,500 retired government employees who are receiving pension benefits of $100,000 or more, and who will receive $1 million or more of pension benefits over a normal lifespan. Quinn, by raising the state income tax, would funnel billions more of these tax dollars into the state’s pension fund.”

“The solution to the state’s pension fund mess is to cap pension benefits at $50,000 and place all new hires in 401(k) plans instead of the present pension plan.”

“Quinn has stated his enthusiasm for a big state income tax hike. The media should do their job and ask Quinn directly if he will support raising the state income tax if he replaces Blagojevich. With the Illinois and national economy tanking, a huge state income tax hike is the last thing Illinois’ economy needs.”