Illinois State-Local Tax Burden Climbs Despite Recession's Bite

CHICAGO–Figures released today, Wednesday, Feb. 23, by the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, headquartered in Washington, DC, show that Illinois’ state-local tax burden increased sharply in comparison to the 49 other states, despite lower total amounts of taxes paid due to the recession.

The foundation defines tax burden as taxes paid divided by income.

“This report clearly illustrates that Illinois is losing ground to other states economically and is becoming less competitive with these other states,” said Jim Tobin, President of Taxpayers United of America (TUA).

For 2008, Illinois’ state-local tax burden was the 22nd from the top. In 2009, Illinois’ rank skyrocketed to 13th from the top.

“Only 12 states have a state-local tax burden higher than Illinois,” said Tobin. “That’s how bad things have gotten in Illinois. And just wait until the 2010 report next year, which will take into account the 67% increase in the state personal income tax, and the increase in the state corporate income tax. The Democrats passing these tax increases, which were signed into law by Gov. Patrick Quinn (D), have devastated Illinois’ economy.”

“Springfield Democrats, who comprise the majority in both chambers of the state legislature, voted for these tax increases. It’s time for Illinois voters to throw all of these Democrat tax-raisers from office at the next statewide election.”

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