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Youth Groups Want Tax Increase
A coalition of youth services groups are calling on lawmakers in Springfield to pass an income tax increase.

Speaking in front of a small prop coffin, David Whittaker with the Chicago Area Project called the current budget crisis "Illinois' Katrina," referencing Hurricane Katrina, which devastated New Orleans in 2005.

"Illinois is faced with our own Katrina in the making," Whittaker said. "This is not a natural Katrina. This is not nature. This is a man-made Katrina because we are not showing the concern for our most vulnerable citizens that we are morally obligated to show."

The Rev. Michael Pfleger, a community activist, called on lawmakers to keep their promises and restore funding for social services. "I'm tired of politicians getting up in public saying they care about the children, but than they vote to take programs away from the children," Pfleger said. "Stop lying to us."

Lawmakers are back in session trying to agree on a state operating budget. Gov. Pat Quinn had pushed for an income tax increase to balance the budget and keep social services funded, but said Monday he would back off on the idea. He may revisit a tax increase in five months.

(Illinois Radio Network)
07 14 09 by Newsroom
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