Constitutional Convention for Illinois

Eric Zorn has a good column in the Tribune on the sleazy efforts to kill the constitutional convention. Check it out at http://blogs.chicagotribune.com/news_columnists_ezorn/2008/09/conconcon.....

There is a lot of responses to his column as well. Somebody identified as Tallis writes: "If you can identify one NECESSARY change that's needed to the Illinois Constitution, I'd be willing to listen. But in the absence of needed change, voting for the ConCon simply to spite the powers-that-be may well be cutting off one's nose to spite one's face."

Here is my response: Two of the main problems with state government is the flat income tax and the 8 to 5 ratio of corporate to individual taxes. Both of these lead to Illinois' incredibly high property and sales taxes and our dependence on gambling revenues. This is the main reason we can't fund education, health care, mass transit and a bunch of other things the state should be doing. A new constitutional convention could consider changes to both of these provisions and then present that to the voters for approval or disapproval. Wouldn't that be an excellent civic discussion and debate? Do you ever think we'll get the state legislature to put THAT amendment on the ballot? Do you see why big business doesn't want a constitutional convention?

There, that's one change that is necessary and only a constitutional convention can provide. So, Tallis, are you "willing to listen" now?

If you are, come to the "Vote Yes" rally being sponsored by United Power for Action and Justice on Sunday October 12 from 3:00-4:30 at Rice Park--St. Ignatius College Prep at 1051 W. Roosevelt Road and see what real grassroots democracy looks like.