Syverson Wants To Hike Income Taxes

Berkowitz has it.  Sen. Syverson also says he wouldn't sign a pledge to constituents to oppose any and all tax increases:

"Jeff Berkowitz: Is that a problem with the Republican image? Should Republicans take the pledge? Would you take the pledge not to raise the income or the sales tax?

Sen. Dave Syverson: No.

Jeff Berkowitz: So, you don’t believe in that?

Sen. Dave Syverson: No, because as a conservative, it doesn’t mean that you’re—it means doing the right thing. Every generation in this country, the leaders have sacrificed so that the next generation could have a better life. This is the first generation we have elected officials who are saying: we don’t care about the next generation. We’re going to spend today. We’re going to..."

There's just one problem.  Syverson took the pledge in 1992 and has been listed as a signatory since.  I confirmed that Americans For Tax Reform has his pledge on file. Here's the list of all state signatories.

Now, 1992 was awhile back, but if he can't recall such a solemn pledge then perhaps he's been in office to long.

Comments

[Jeff Trigg]

Good post. He took our pledge in 1992 also, I dug up the original. I show he signed one before 92 but still need to find it.

I sure would like to see the ILGOP get their heads out of their butts regarding these state income tax increase proposals. Talk about destroying families, that is the biggest threat to families we face in Illinois right now.

More Republicans have been quoted supporting an income tax increase than those who have opposed it. In fact, I'm still looking for even one Illinois Republican that has been quoted in any article as being opposed to any income tax increase. I'm also still looking for one bill introduced by any Illinois Republican that proposes even $1 in budget cuts.

I'm afraid we are at the point where the only argument will be over how much to hike taxes, not if they should hike taxes. The silence from the ILGOP really is pathetic.

[Greg]

The amazing thing is the sheer political stupidity. Do a Pelosi, don't give the Dems anything. Make them raise taxes and take the blame. In two years they'll be in charge...

Not to get away from policy, but the politics is there for everyone to see...

[NW burbs]

"Every generation in this country, the leaders have sacrificed so that the next generation could have a better life. This is the first generation we have elected officials who are saying: we don’t care about the next generation"

...Apt words.

[Bruno]

NW,

"Cr-apt words" is more like it.

All a tax increase does is shovel more $$ into the maw of trough feeders like Ms. Neale.

I suggest that SHE sacrifice, and work off her "low wage" 250K+ contract with free car, loofa massages, and nubian slaves feeding her grapes.

If anyone cares about the next generation, the first thing they need to do is put the tax eating pigs out on the street and in the bread lines they do so much to populate. Let THEM "sacrifice!!"

Are you capable of speaking in anything other than sound bites and nostrums? Are you at least willing to trade your precious tax hikes for REAL PROPERTY TAX cuts or spending/pension reforms? I thought not.

What a fraud. $400K could teach a few hundred kids to read and add, but protecting Ms. Neale's Piggery is SO MUCH more important to you.

Apparently, the same is true of Sen. Syverson. Some where, a Darth Vader type voice is saying "the destruction of the Republicans is complete."

Greg,

100% straight on. "Stupid" is the only word to describe it. Unless....

...state Republicans have decided that they LIKE things this way, as long as the few remaining stragglers get their district lines and a few crumbs thrown to them.

If that is the case, the word isn't "stupid." "Venal," "Corrupt," and "bought-off" come to mind, though.

[Cal Skinner]

What Dave is really saying is that he is willing to be part of the group that increases the tax burden on the next generation.

[ScottBludorn]

In-Freaking-credible !

Is the IRP in some contest with the LP for the title of "most irrelevant?"

That great big sucking sound you hear is grassroots activists, precinct captains and Reaganites moving to New Hampshire.

[UAkron]

wow... somebody should let Grover Norquist know about this.

[Truthful James]

When re-election is the ultimate validation of a person and honor goes by the wayside you have an Illinois politician.