Chicago City Wire

State Rep. LaShawn K. Ford (D-8th District) wonders how much more an already battered Illinois can take.

“Another tax on the middle class with the (President Donald) Trump tax break for the wealthy will widen the income inequality in Illinois,” Ford told Chicago City Wire in response to the mounting number of proposals now being put forth calling for various income tax increases. “Raising taxes on working families could weaken Illinois' population and cost the state revenue when the redistricting takes place.”

With so many across the state already so cash-strapped and fighting to hold on, Ford said leaders must find others ways of raising the revenue needed for school funding.

Tony Smith | Illinois State Board of Education

“It is time to have a fair tax system in Illinois,” he said. “Illinois' families can't afford higher taxes and a higher cost of living while incomes lag behind in growth. Families need relief from the heavy tax burden. The cost to live in Chicago and Cook County continue to drive families out of the city and the state of Illinois.”

The latest talk of yet another tax increase comes just six-months after state lawmakers enacted a 32 percent income tax hike as part of the new state budget. While much of that money was said to be earmarked for a school funding plan, Chicago City Wire recently reported Illinois State Superintendent of Schools Tony Smith has called for increasing K-12 school funding to $50 billion next year, or $27,000 per student, though he admits he has no idea where the money might come from.

No matter what, Ford said he stands with the people of the state and his district, home to some of the poorest schools and children in the state.  

“I will represent the will of the people,” he said. “I will engage constituents in the process and hope that they will stand against any unfair tax increase. I will continue to push to make our tax system fair and provide relief for struggling families. Taxpayers are the boss, and the government is theirs to control. Taxpayers must demand fairness in our democracy.”

Ford, who previously ran for 7th District representative, serves on the committees for Approp-Elementary & Secondary Education; Adoption Reform; Pension Funds Management; Computer Technology; Elections & Campaign Reform; and Disparities in Educational Achievement.

The 8th District includes Chicago’s Austin neighborhood, Oak Park, Berwyn, North Riverside, Riverside, Proviso Township, Forest Park, Brookfield, La Grange Park, La Grange and Western Springs.