Brady Best on Tax Relief, Jobs

The Tribune has a story today on the three candidates who promise not to raise taxes as governor.

Bill Brady has been consistently in favor of tax relief for Illinois, and is the only candidate who has talked about growing the economy to create jobs and higher revenue. Brady received an A from the Illinois Policy Institute, citing him as the most specific with a detailed policy initiative:

In recent days, Sen. Brady has proposed a property tax relief plan, as well as a repeal of the state tax on motor fuel. More specifically, Brady proposes giving 10 percent of all natural revenue growth back to the various counties in order to “reduce the portion of the real estate taxes used to support local elementary and secondary schools.” Additionally, Brady has proposed ending “the state’s double taxation on motor fuel,” by reducing the burden from 6.25 percent to a mere 1.25 percent.

Brady has also stressed the importance of a low-tax environment to keep, attract and expand jobs in Illinois, and turn Illinois around. The Institute:

In a larger sense, tax policy in Illinois can be equated to our state’s lagging job growth during an otherwise prosperous economic recovery seen nationwide. Jobs and economic opportunity naturally flock to states wherein taxes are low and are perceived to stay low in the future.

Illinois ranks 46th out of 50 states in a job-friendly climate.


Governor Blagojevich ran on a no new tax pledge, but proceeded to raise almost 300 fees, which is a tax by any other name, continued major increases in spending and the state's debt, while ignoring the state's massive unfunded pension liability.


Oberweis has a reputation as a flip-flopper in his many unsuccessful races for office, and is considering a tax-swap of higher income taxes for property tax reductions, a standard Democrat proposal. Even if you claim it would be revenue neutral, introducing a NEW TAX in Illinois is NOT a good idea.


And in addition to her refusing to rule out new taxes, Judy Baar Topinka has recently descended to Oberweis' level in the name-calling contest.

Does Judy really want the job? Based on her campaign of ducking debates and the tough issues, I think not.


Bill Brady has the independence and integrity we need for governor of Illinois. He is one of the few who spoke out against former Governor Ryan's "Illinois First" tax increase in 1999. Brady is an enterpreneur as well as a legislator who knows what it takes to create jobs.

Vote Bill Brady for Governor on March 21st.