Rock Island Today

Constituents in Rep. Michael Halpin's (D-Rock Island) 72nd House District are receiving calls from the Illinois Republican Party asking for help in saving taxpayers from having to pay more.

“Last night, with little debate, Senate Democrats in Springfield passed one of the largest tax hikes in state history,” the GOP's robocalls say, according to a press release. “Their plan will raise the income tax on every Illinoisan by 32 percent. They passed huge taxes on everyday services like Netflix, dry cleaning and television. And they chose to let property taxes continue to skyrocket.  Now the bill goes to Mike Madigan's House for a vote. You can help stop the tax hikes.”

Despite months of negotiations on a bipartisan plan, the budget legislation advanced on a party-line vote, with no Republicans supporting it. Republicans view the measure as increasing taxes without putting any significant reforms in place to spur economic growth. Democrats also would not agree to a property tax freeze, which Republicans from both chambers and Gov. Bruce Rauner have demanded.

The calls conclude by asking residents to register their opposition to the budget bill with Halpin and urge him to vote against it in the House. The Illinois GOP has targeted 18 other Democratic representatives in competitive districts with similar call campaigns.