North Cook News

Michael Fine took to social media recently to respond to critics of his wife, Rep. Laura Fine (D-Glenview), and her support for the new state budget and 32 percent income tax increase.

“Southern Indiana is full of like-minded Trump people just like you," he posted. "Bon voyage.”

In response, Blair Garber, committeeman for the Evanston Township Republican Organization and Illinois State Central committeeman for the 9th Congressional District, told the North Cook News that the taunt didn't surprise him.

“He says what she and other Democrats really think,” Garber said. “She’s a little more polished in what she openly says, but after all her promises, she’s never met a tax hike she didn’t support.”  

Fine voted for the largest permanent tax increase in state history, pushing personal income taxes to 4.95 percent from 3.75 percent and corporate taxes to 7 percent from 5.25 percent.

Garber contended that it's clear Democrats don't care what such an increase does to Illinoisans already suffering some of the highest property taxes in the country.

“Since moving into my home, my taxes have more than doubled,” he said. “And with no reforms as a part of this new budget, that trend isn’t likely to change anytime too soon.”  

Fifteen GOP legislators sided with Democrats in overriding vetoes by Gov. Bruce Rauner and enacting the new budget, spending plan and tax increase. None of the measures address a $15 billion backlog of unpaid bills and massive pension debt.

“Without reforms being a part of any of this, nothing really changes,” Garber said.