Those scoundrels in the Illinois Senate. With taxpayers revolting nationwide, and some outside the State Capitol door just the day before, not only did 47 Senators -- both Republicans and Democrats -- legalize video gambling with HB 255, they mocked the exploding Tea Party movement by raising sales taxes on pop, wine, beer, liquor -- almost everything drinkable BUT tea!
Last night we all signed off IR for the evening frustrated that so many Republican senators foolishly chose to share the blame with the Democrats for legalizing video games statewide, granting every liquor license-bearing facility the right to offer at least 5 state-sanctioned machines and make them into potential mini-casinos. Not only mini-casinos at neighborhood restaurants, but HB 255 sets up lottery sales on the internet. You won't even have to leave home to lose your shirt. Why would Republicans, whose state party platform condemns gambling expansion, sign on? What will that vote on HB 255 yesterday cost the state over the coming years?
As if that wasn't bad enough, we wake up this morning to find those Illinois Senate gambling boosters did more than exponentially increase gambling accessibility with HB 255, they also hiked taxes on an array of "sins" -- you know, "sins" like liquor. But not only did they raise taxes on liquor, they increased by 625% sales taxes on "sins" such as candy, soda pop but shampoo and other "grooming and hygiene" products. Senate President John Cullerton's bill also raises fees and fines covered in the Vehicle Code. HB 255:
Amends the use tax and occupation tax Acts (i) to provide that candy, certain beverages, and grooming and hygiene products are taxed at the 6.25% rate (instead of the 1% rate) and (ii) to require deposit of the increased revenue into the Capital Projects Fund. Amends the Motor Fuel Tax Law to make changes concerning the Grade Crossing Protection Fund. Amends the Liquor Control Act of 1934 to increase the tax on wine, on beer, and on alcohol and spirits. Amends the Illinois Vehicle Code (i) to increase various fees and fines and require deposit of the increased revenue into the Capital Projects Fund and (ii) to make changes concerning load and weight restrictions. .
So if it's not appalling enough what a farce Senator Cullerton made the legislative system by shoving HB 255's gambling expansion and tax increases through the Senate within hours Wednesday, it should be disgusting how the gambling cabal strong armed video gambling and internet lottery through. But if that doesn't repulse you, for Pete's sake, perhaps the tax increases from 1 to 6.25% on soda pop, candy, liquor, beer and wine will aggravate you. If you don't care about any of this, God help us all.
How ironic, and how despicable. They've raised taxes in Illinois on almost everything drinkable BUT tea!
The question is now will the House GOP help pass HB 255 and blow off the brewing tax revolt just outside their doors? If they do, we have to say maybe it really is time to "Dump 'Em All"! At least all who voted for HB 255.
