Post by Logan on May 7, 2016 0:44:18 GMT -6
The Illinois Way is failing Democrats in Chicago and Springfield
Sea change usually doesn't wash over the political environs of Chicago or Springfield. Transformation in government, if it comes at all, flows so slowly it can be undetectable. But in recent months, if you were standing still, you might have felt subtle shifts.
The Illinois Way — tax, borrow, spend — seems to be losing its appeal. The Democrat-controlled Chicago City Council and Illinois General Assembly are struggling to rally support for their so-called progressive agendas. Even proposals that would tax the rich are flopping, despite the blockbuster success of class warfare politics practiced by Democratic candidates for president Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.
In Springfield, recent casualties include a graduated state income tax proposal that would have punished upper-income earners. The House sponsor, Rep. Christian Mitchell, D-Chicago, didn't call the measure for a vote because he couldn't muster enough support despite his party's supermajority.
House Speaker Michael Madigan has been unable to build enough support for his proposal to add a tax surcharge on millionaires. Remember, he's the speaker.
Read more: www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-madigan-rauner-emanuel-democrats-illinois-lucas-edit-0508-jm-20160506-story.html
Sea change usually doesn't wash over the political environs of Chicago or Springfield. Transformation in government, if it comes at all, flows so slowly it can be undetectable. But in recent months, if you were standing still, you might have felt subtle shifts.
The Illinois Way — tax, borrow, spend — seems to be losing its appeal. The Democrat-controlled Chicago City Council and Illinois General Assembly are struggling to rally support for their so-called progressive agendas. Even proposals that would tax the rich are flopping, despite the blockbuster success of class warfare politics practiced by Democratic candidates for president Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders.
In Springfield, recent casualties include a graduated state income tax proposal that would have punished upper-income earners. The House sponsor, Rep. Christian Mitchell, D-Chicago, didn't call the measure for a vote because he couldn't muster enough support despite his party's supermajority.
House Speaker Michael Madigan has been unable to build enough support for his proposal to add a tax surcharge on millionaires. Remember, he's the speaker.
Read more: www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/editorials/ct-madigan-rauner-emanuel-democrats-illinois-lucas-edit-0508-jm-20160506-story.html