TWO QUARTERS AND A DIME….NOT SO FAST!

During the October 25th Kane County Finance meeting, when the committee was debating whether or not to authorize an increase in the County Motor Fuel Tax, Madam Chair made a striking assertion. She stated that she calculated, through what she described as a “mental exercise,” that the average consumer would spend a mere two quarters and a dime—60 cents a week—with the proposed increases in motor fuel tax.

This statement summarizes what is wrong with our governing officials.

To reduce the impact of tax increases to the equivalent of pocket change is not just a misrepresentation; it’s a blatant disregard for the struggles of hardworking individuals and families in our community. It dismisses the burden they face.

Today, I stand before you not just as a concerned citizen but as a representative of a growing sentiment within our community—a sentiment burdened by an increasingly unsustainable tax system. Illinois, a state we cherish, has the second-highest property tax rate in the United States. This isn’t a statistic to wear as a badge of honor; it’s a call to action for change.

The US Census reveals a stark reality: Illinois leads the nation with a staggering 6930 local governments, far surpassing Texas, which follows with 5533. Texas, being 4.7 times the size of Illinois and having a population 2.5 times larger, showcases the enormity of this disparity. In Illinois, almost 7000 local governing bodies have woven a complex web of bureaucracy, complicating our lives and overtaxing our wallets.

Consider for a moment the property tax bill of a St. Charles resident—ten taxing bodies itemized, each vying for a piece of their hard-earned income. Moreover, many of these taxing entities, including Kane County, are proposing tax increases for the upcoming year. They assure us these hikes will have minimal impact, but let’s be honest: every increase adds to the progressive burden on taxpayers, no matter how small.

What’s disheartening is the stark reality that while these tax increases loom over us, predominantly, it’s government employees who seem to be getting the raises. The hardworking citizens who bear the brunt of these taxes are left struggling to make ends meet, provide for their families, and invest in their futures.

The never-ending cycle of tax hikes extends beyond property taxes; motor fuel taxes, sales taxes, and increased assessment fees further strain our financial well-being. There’s no escape, no relief from this ceaseless burden imposed upon us.

Kane County should focus on better managing current resources before burdening taxpayers further. We demand fiscal responsibility and accountability from our governing bodies. The overreach of government and the excessive layers of taxation are obstacles to our community’s growth and prosperity.

I urge this Board to reconsider the impact of these constant tax increases on hardworking families. Let’s seek solutions that prioritize our community’s welfare, fostering an environment where our citizens can thrive without the weight of overbearing taxation. Before squeezing every last penny from taxpayers, I propose that the Board reallocate “two quarters and a dime” from the wasteful spending in the existing budget to cover the necessities indicated in the proposed tax increase.

Thank you for your time and your consideration.

Hopeful for Tax Relief, Kane County TAX PAYER