SB2098 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SDS094 00126 MRM 30126 b

94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2005 and 2006
SB2098

Introduced 2/25/2005, by Sen. Louis S. Viverito

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the State Budget and School-Funding Crisis Referendum Act. Authorizes a statewide referendum at the consolidated election in 2006. Sets forth questions concerning a temporary increase in the State income tax to help solve the current State budget and school-funding crises. Effective immediately.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning a statewide referendum on the State budget and school-funding crisis.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the State Budget and School-Funding Crisis Referendum Act.

Section 5. Purpose. Illinois, as almost all other states, is currently experiencing a State budget crisis as well as a school-funding crisis. At the same time, however, Illinois enjoys relatively modest rates of State income tax: 3% on individuals, estates, and trusts and 4.8% on corporations. But there is a high burden on property owners because school funding relies heavily on local property taxes. Article 10 of the Illinois Constitution provides that the State shall fund education by making public schools free through the secondary level. The purpose of this Act is to place before the voters a Statewide referendum as to whether a temporary increase in the State income tax is warranted to help solve this school-funding crisis.

Section 10. State budget and school-funding crises questions. The following questions shall be submitted to the voters of the entire State at the 2006 general primary election:

(1) Should the General Assembly temporarily increase the Illinois income tax from Januray 1, 2007 through December 31, 2008 to help solve the current State budget crisis and avoid drastic cuts in State support for public education?

(2) Should this temporary increase be limited to increasing the rate of tax for individuals, trusts, and estates by no more than one percentage point and the rate for corporations by no more than one and six-tenths of a percentage point?

All of these 2 questions shall be placed on a single, separate ballot. The votes on each question shall be recorded as "Yes" or "No".

Section 15. Certification. The State Board of Elections shall immediately certify the questions to be submitted to the voters of the entire State under Section 10 to the respective county clerks and to the board of election commissioners, if any, in their respective counties.

Section 20. Conflicts. If any provision of this Act conflicts with any other law, this Act controls.

Section 90. Repeal. This Act is repealed on December 31, 2008.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law.