Dear Neighbor:
I hope you are enjoying the warm weather!
I have received many phone calls, emails and
letters from constituents on a broad range of
issues, so I wanted to send you a quick update.
Also included in this newsletter are a number
of upcoming events around the neighborhood
and I encourage you to check them out.
As always, feel free to email me at
[email protected] or call my office at
773-296-4141 with any questions or comments.
Sincerely,
State Rep. Sara
Feigenholtz 12th District
Quinn Tax Proposal |
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Today, Governor Pat Quinn presented the
Illinois General Assembly with a sweeping tax
proposal in an attempt to address the state's
estimated $11.6 billion budget deficit. The
measure, which calls for a one and a half
percent increase in the state income tax,
would also include an expansion of the
personal exemption from $2,000 to $6,000 to
protect low-income families from the new
formula. The governor also called for an
increase in fees for drivers' licenses and
license plates, and additional taxes on
cigarettes.
Unlike the previous governor who refused to
address the growing structural deficit or
propose any real budget reforms that we now
have to confront, Governor Quinn, in his
no-nonsense, down-to-earth style, presented
his budget proposal with candor and a
willingness to take bold steps to solve the
grave problems that Illinois is facing and
dig us out of a sea of red ink.
Though I will not commit to any increase in
fees or taxes unless they are coupled with
genuine reform in the way the state of
Illinois conducts business, I am eager to
debate this issue with my colleagues in
Springfield to determine the best way to move
Illinois forward.
I do not believe that we should cut
or tax our way out of this debt. As chair of
a major appropriations committee in the House
I know that we must first work to make
government more efficient by adopting
measures that continue to serve the needs of
our residents while reducing the burden on
taxpayers. The state of Illinois must also
strive to capture the maximum possible amount
of federal matching funds, which was
virtually impossible under the failed
leadership of our former governor.
Only after these options are fully explored
can we begin to consider any increase in
taxes or fees. I agree with Governor Quinn's
conclusion that our state cannot move forward
without addressing this budget deficit, but I
believe we should consider all possible
alternatives first.
As I spend the rest of this week in
Springfield, I want to hear from you. Feel
free to send me a message and I will keep
your ideas and opinions in mind as I work
with my colleagues to address this budget
shortfall.
I will also update you on this matter as more
details become available.
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Military Tax Assistance Program |
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Tax Day (April 15) is right around the
corner. CPAs for the Public Interest will
once again provide free tax assistance and
guidance to immediate families of deployed
military members. If you or someone you know
fits this criteria and could benefit from
this experience, click here
or call (800) 572-9870.
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Earth Hour Chicago: Turn out the lights on March 28 |
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It's time once again to turn out and take
action against global climate change.
Millions around the world are turning off
their lights on Saturday, March 28, at 8:30
pm during Earth Hour.
My staff and I have already signed
up and I encourage
you to do the same. By flipping your light
switch, you can demonstrate concern for our
living planet and send a message that you
support long-term, sustainable action on
climate change.
Chicago is proud to return as a flagship city
for Earth Hour, a global movement led by the
World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and presented
locally by ComEd. Last year, more than 2.7
million adults in the Chicagoland area came
together to turn-off their lights, resulting
in an electricity savings of 7 percent in the
region - the equivalent of taking more than
one million cars off the road for one hour,
or planting 158 acres of trees.
For more information about Earth Hour and
what you can do to help stop global climate
change, click
here.
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2009 Capital Hearing with Local State Representatives |
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Thursday, April 16
6:00 PM
Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center,
Olson Auditorium
836 W. Wellington
Please join us for a discussion with local
elected officials, labor leaders and members
of the business community about the need to
pass a capital transportation construction
program to repair roads and bridges,
strengthen the regional economy and put
people back to work. I will be in attendance
alongside my House colleagues John D'Amico,
John Fritchey, Greg Harris, Lou Lang, Joe
Lyons, Deborah Mell and Harry Osterman.
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Upcoming Events |
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Cubs Annual Community Meeting
Tuesday, March 24
7 - 9 PM
Inter-American Elementary School
851 W. Waveland
This meeting will give residents an
opportunity to voice their concerns on a wide
range of issues regarding the upcoming 2009
Cubs season and its impact on our community.
Representatives from the Cubs and the city
of Chicago will be on hand to take questions.
Lake View Citizens' Council Wine Tasting
Sunday, April 19
3 - 5 PM
WineStyles
1433 W. Belmont
$15 per person
Join the Lake View Citizens' Council for an
afternoon of mingling and try some of the
best wines in the city! This is a great way
for you to meet your neighbors while
supporting local businesses. Visit LVCC's
website for more information.
Mid-North Association's Summerfest
Volunteer Party
Wednesday, April 22
6 - 8 PM
Kelsey's
2265 N. Lincoln
The Lincoln Park Summerfest (June 20 - 21),
hosted by our neighbors at the Mid-North
Association, is in need of volunteers! Join
Mid-North on April 22 at Kelsey's on Lincoln
to learn more about the festival and signing
up to volunteer. Bring a neighbor or a
friend, enjoy some free beverages and
appetizers and get involved with one this
summer's most colorful celebrations!
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Reminder: the Brown Line Paulina and
Wellington stations remain closed for
renovations and upgrades. For alternative
transportation options and the latest
updates, please visit www.ctabrownline.com
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