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April 17,
2007
WEEKLY REVIEW |
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In this
issue:
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COMPREHENSIVE FISCAL REFORM A+ Illinois' principles for reform; new facts sheets on HB/SB 750
TAX DAY: A REFLECTION ON THE FEDERAL SYSTEM The need for a progressive tax system
WORKFORCE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Aurora forum attracts diverse stakeholders to discuss region's future
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE, OPPORTUNITY FOR ACTION Lawmakers return to Springfield - find out what's going on and what you can do
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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COMPREHENSIVE FISCAL REFORM |
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A+ ILLINOIS' PRINCIPLES FOR REFORM; NEW FACT SHEETS ON HB/SB 750
A+ Illinois supports the following Education Funding, Education Quality, and Tax Reform Principles
Download new fact sheets on HB/SB 750!
For more information on HB/SB750, see the resources available at www.ctbaonline.org.
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TAX DAY: A REFLECTION ON THE FEDERAL SYSTEM |
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THE NEED FOR A PROGRESSIVE TAX SYSTEM
Taxes have certainly been on everyone's minds this past week. With personal income taxes due and the debate on fiscal reform in Illinois, it's more evident than ever how taxes affect our lives.
Often
overlooked in discussions of Illinois' fiscal crisis and our state's
inadequacy to meet the needs of its residents is how the Illinois picture is
reflected in the national tax system. As the income gap increases and
services to low- and middle-income earners are being cut or severely
underfunded, it becomes increasingly important to keep up to speed with the
way our economy serves to shape our lives.
But what does that really mean?
The tax burden in the U.S. is shifting. A study published in the Journal of Economic Perspectives earlier this winter, "How Progressive is the U.S. Federal Tax System? A Historical and International Perspective" by Thomas Piketty and Emmanuel Saez examines forty years with of data to show how all taxes -- from payroll through income and estate taxes -- affect Americans at each income level. Their conclusion? In a few years, our generally progressive system of taxation may become "flat."
What does it mean when we are seeing a flattening of the tax burden? Middle income earners are increasingly subjected to taxes that were originally meant to ensure a progressive tax system. A report by the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities exposes how the Congressional Budget Office claims that most income groups are paying a smaller portion of their income to taxes and that we are witnessing a significant drop in individual-income tax burdens. In stark contrast, Piketty and Saez conclude that it is the highest-income households that benefit through recent tax cuts.
According to the Urban Institute-Brookings Institutions Tax Policy Center, in 2010, when the tax cuts enacted by the Bush Administration take full effect, households with annual incomes of more than $1 million will receive after-tax income boosts by about 7.6 percent. Only an eighth of the total value of cuts will go to the bottom 60% of households; those earning in the middle fifth bracket will only see an average 2.3% increase in their after-tax incomes.
It’s clear that this skewing is anything but progressive.
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workforce and economic development |
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AURORA FORUM ATTRACTS DIVERSE STAKEHOLDERS TO DISCUSS REGION'S FUTURE
Last Friday, local leaders in the Aurora area came together at a Community Forum to discuss issues of workforce and economic development and strategies to ensure that the Aurora area has a strong economy and skilled workforce moving into the 21st century. The Forum was a great success, with roughly 80 participants in attendance and an extensive panel of local leaders, representing diverse interests.
Aurora Mayor, Tom Weisner, opened the meeting with remarks about the changing economic and demographics shifts that have taken place in Aurora over the past couple of decades. In the past, the strong industrial economy in the Aurora region provided good jobs and economic security. Today, these jobs are disappearing. Mayor Weisner call for a need to diversify the economy and integrate workforce and economic development initiatives in order to move towards economic security.
Following the Mayor's opening remarks, Ralph Martire, the executive director of the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability, delivered a presentation on the State of Working Illinois report, which outlines key trends that have taken place in the Illinois economy over the past couple decades. Included in the presentation was specific economic data trends for the Aurora region which, among other findings, highlighted the rapid growth taking place in Kane County and the large commuter population that exists in the region. Click here to download the Center's PowerPoint presentation.
After the State of Working Illinois presentation, panelists went on to discuss the greatest workforce and economic development needs in the Aurora region. The discussion focused on three main themes: the skills gap, the integration of economic development and workforce development and finally, economic well-being of the workforce. The main issues and needs that were continually emphasized during the morning discussion were:
Forum Panelists
Tom Weisner, Aurora Mayor Click on the links below to read articles about the Forum in the Aurora Beacon News. This Forum was generously funded through the Grand Victoria Foundation and was a collaborative effort between the Aurora Jobs Council, Chicago Jobs Council, Illinois Work for the Future Campaign, River Valley Workforce Investment Board, Valley Industrial Association and the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability.
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LEGISLATIVE UPDATE, OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACTION |
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LAWMAKERS RETURN TO SPRINGFIELD - FIND OUT WHAT'S GOING ON AND WHAT YOU CAN DO This week, the Illinois General Assembly's session recess comes to a close and legislative debates recommence. Read on to get an update on particular pieces of legislation and to learn more about ways in which you can make your voice heard. Getting back to the floor TANF Grant Increase: HB949, The SUCCESS ACT (Supporting and Caring for Children Through Economic Self-Sufficiency) would increase the TANF cash grant by 15% this year. TANF has not been adjusted since 2002, and despite lack of interest from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget, the Department of Human Services recommends an increase. HB949 has over 40 co-sponsors in the House and is expected to pass out of the House by April 27, 2007. EITC Adjustment: SB12, filed by Sen. Emil Jones, Jr. and with Sen. Jacqueline Collins as lead sponsor, is one of three EITC bills introduced this year. SB12 would raise the Earned Income Tax Credit to 10% of the federal EITC in two years, from its current 5% level. HB556/SB338, aims to make the EITC fully refundable and reduce complications in obtaining this important income support. Both bills have passed out of the Senate without opposition. Fiscal Reform: HB750 passed out of the House Elementary and Secondary Education Appropriations Committee, and now has two weeks to pass out of the house. Children’s Savings Accounts: SB388, a bill that would create the Illinois Children’s Savings Accounts Task Force passed from Senate unanimously in March. It moves to the House as HB1662. The bills create a task force to review children’s savings account programs and create a plan to open a savings account at birth for every child born in-state to Illinois residents. Health Care: Gov. Blagojevich’s Illinois Covered, SB5, would introduce a subsidized program for medical care that is comparable to All Kids programming. Illinois Covered is expected to be assigned to a committee for a hearing in the next week. Schools: The Ensuring Success in School Act (ESSA, HB1330) would facilitate the completion of school by youth who are victims of sexual abuse or domestic violence, or are parents or expecting. This bill passed out of the House at the end of March with strong support, and now awaits discussion on the floor of the Senate. Of note:
Getting involved You can urge your federal legislators to support the Healthy Families Act. Most Americans would agree that paid sick leave should be a right. Fifty-seven million citizens work without a single paid sick day to care for their own health, and a total of 94 million are unable to take time off to care for a sick relative. Advocates recently introduced the Healthy Families Act in Congress. This act would provide seven paid sick days annually, allowing more workers to balance their employment and family responsibilities. Women Employed is asking for your support; contact your senator and representatives and urge them to support the Healthy Families Act. Affordable housing advocates: you can say “No” to the Governor’s Proposed Sweep of the Rental Housing Support Program The Governor’s office has proposed to transfer $9.4 million out of the Rental Housing Support Program Fund to be implemented in 2008. This figure is 36% of expected revenues generated from state recording fees in the coming year. Advocates believe this amount is excessive: It is nearly three times last year’s charge of $3.2 million. If you would like to help stop this sweep of funds into the General Revenue fund, join members of the It Takes a Home to Raise a Child Campaign and ask Gov. Blagojevich to stand by his 2005 commitment to allow for fund balances during the start-up time of the program. Protestants for the Common Good Lobby Day Join this faith-based organization committed to social justice as they head to Springfield on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 to rally behind tax reform, fixing the pension system, education funding reform and the cause of universal health care. PCG rightly recognizes this critical moment in Illinois’ history for individuals to show their support for comprehensive solutions. Register for this Lobby Day online. Contact Julie Smith, PCG’s Lobby Day Coordinator at 312-223-9544 ext.234 or Julie@thecommongood.org.
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UPCOMING EVENTS |
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CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE TODAY |
WHAT? Housing Action Illinois' 2007 Annual Convention (workshops, celebration, and rally) WHEN? April 17-18, 2007 WHERE? ICAA Training Facility, 3435 Liberty Drive, Springfield, IL Click here to register and view the flyer. Contact: nate@housingactionil.org or 312-939-6074 x 201 More info: www.housingactionil.org.
WHAT? RTA Connecting Communities through Coordination Transportation Forum WHEN? Wednesday, April 18, 2007 WHERE? Lake and Will County (click here for locations) The Regional Transportation Authority is hosting these meetings as a part of their project known as Connecting Communities through Coordination. For more information about this project, take a look at their website.
WHAT? RTA Connecting Communities through Coordination Transportation Forum WHEN? Thursday, April 19, 2007 WHERE? Kane/Kendall and McHenry County (click here for locations) The Regional Transportation Authority is hosting these meetings as a part of their project known as Connecting Communities through Coordination. For more information about this project, take a look at their website.
WHAT? Early Childhood Lobby Day WHEN? Thursday, April 19, 2007, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM WHERE? Springfield Join the Ounce of Prevention Fund and Healthy Families Illinois for an Early Childhood Lobby Day. Background materials, training, a box lunch, and transportation from Chicago to Springfield will be provided. For more information, contact Rashanda Perryman at 312-922-3863 ext. 3353.
WHAT? The View From The Ground: Issues and Inquiries Arising From Eight Square Blocks of Chicago's South Side WHEN? April 20-21, 2007
WHERE?
The University of Chicago Law School, 1111 E. 60th Street, Chicago
WHAT? Moving from Poverty to Opportunity: Dewitt, Piatt, Macon, Shelby, Christian Forum WHEN? Wednesday, April 21, 2007, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM WHERE? Warner Library-Revere Room, 310 N. Quincy Avenue, Clinton, IL For information, click here.
WHAT? State of the State Luncheon -- "Financing Illinois’ Future - Building a Solid Framework" WHEN? Tuesday, April 24, 2007, 11:30 AM WHERE? Union League Club of Chicago, 65 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago Click here to register and for more information.
WHAT? Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing WHEN? Tuesday, April 24, 2007, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM WHERE? James R. Thompson Center , Room 9-040, 100 W. Randolph, Chicago Click here to view a flyer.
WHAT? Protestants for the Common Good Lobby Day WHEN? Wednesday, April 25, 2007, 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM
WHERE?
First Christian Church, 700 South Sixth Street, Springfield, IL
WHAT? RTA Connecting Communities through Coordination Transportation Forum WHEN? April 26, 2007 WHERE? DuPage County (click here for locations) The Regional Transportation Authority is hosting these meetings as a part of their project known as Connecting Communities through Coordination. For more information about this project, take a look at their website.
WHAT? Moving From Poverty to Opportunity: Madison County Action Forum WHEN? Saturday, April 28, 2007, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM WHERE? Location to be determined For more information, contact Doug Schenkelberg, Associate Director of Policy Mid-America Institute on Poverty of Heartland Alliance for Human Needs & Human Rights, at 773.728.5960 x6284.
WHAT? What Works for Today's Families? And What Doesn't?: A Decade of Research, Practice, and Dialogue WHEN? May 4-5, 2007 WHERE? University of Chicago, International House, 1414 East 59th Street, Chicago For more information, click here.
WHAT? Illinois Asset Building Group member meeting, media training, and Capitol visits in support of children's saving account task force (SB388/HB1662) WHEN? Wednesday, May 9, 2007 WHERE? Springfield For more information or to RSVP, contact Meg Dunne at 312.263.3830x 246 or megdunne@povertylaw.org.
WHAT? Financing Development: Community Housing Developers Institute WHEN? May 15-16, 2007
WHERE?
ICAA Training Facility, 3435 Liberty Drive, Springfield, IL
WHAT? Making the Connection: Basic Training WHEN? Wednesday, May 17, 2007, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM WHERE? 1120 E. Diehl Road, Naperville
This training is part of the DuPage Federation on Human Services Reform workshop series, Making the Connection: Accessing Public Benefits for Low Income Persons. For more information, to learn about other workshops, and to register, click here.
WHAT? Construction Management: Community Housing Developers Institute WHEN? June 5-6, 2007
WHERE?
Abraham Lincoln Hotel and Conference Center/President Abraham Lincoln
Museum, Springfield
WHAT? Single-Family Development: Community Housing Developers Institute WHEN? September 11-12, 2007
WHERE?
ICAA Training Facility, 3435 Liberty Drive, Springfield, IL
WHAT? Property and Asset Management: Community Housing Developers Institute WHEN? October 16-17, 2007
WHERE?
ICAA Training Facility, 3435 Liberty Drive, Springfield, IL
WHAT? Affordable Housing Month WHEN? November 1-30, 2007
WHERE?
ICAA Training Facility, 3435 Liberty Drive, Springfield, IL
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any questions on information contained in this Weekly Review, |
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