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>4 P««e 2 • PLAINDEALER HERALD. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21,1984 Opinion/Politics v. THEM WCSS Zp ĵzsr & Taxing policies 'worked9 Dear Santa, here's list of what some do not want for Christmas With the last roundup preceding the Christmas holiday, we have managed to crawl into an inac­ cessible place for intruders who would mar our quiet time with phone calls or knocks on the door. These moments provide an oc­ casional treat at any time of year. But at Christmas time they become a necessity to retain sani­ ty in a world going bonkers in the last minute buying rush of Dec. 21. It has been an observation among our closest associates that M usin' &, anderin BY KAF tant appointment, but just the act of going nowhere for as long as two or three minutes at a time is repulsive to our impatient nature. Another refusal this Christmas time are people who hear a few words, and by a product of their immense imagination, come up with a story that would put a soap opera plot to shame. We like to conjure up our own mental images for a story that satisfies a per­ sonal liking for myth without destroying everyone we know. Of course, if Santa is reading this column there are a few hints we could give him on the positive side. In spite of calories, We enjoy edibles that give a definite pro­ mise of adding to the waistline. We're also accepting any offers for a good, relaxing dinner out. We'll take on a few more good friends as long as Santa promises to let us keep the many good ones who have made 1984 such a plea­ sant year. And in conclusion, we promise to share in good spirit the suffer­ ing of others, all the while giving a sincere thanks for benefits of health which give a delight to liv­ ing not accomplished by many other gifts. Our Christmas wish is that these good things we wish for ourself can be shared with those who have loyally read this column through the years. By State Rep. Dick Klemm When the state income tax temporarily increased in 1983, the objective was to provide enough money to meet essential state obligations. Proponents of the temporary tax argued that a massive permanent tax increase frould slow economic recovery ui the state and provide a "windfall" of tax dollars that would fuel growth of the state bureaucracy.; Since the recession was tem­ porary, it followed that the tax increase to weather the recession should also be tem­ porary. It was argued that a tax in­ crease of longer that a year's duration would virtually guarantee that the temporary tax become permanent. State agencies would include the new tax dollars as they prepared their budgets and new programs, using tfie. "tem­ porary" dollars, would be created. A "stopgap" increase , however, would let the state get by without increasing the cost or size of the bureaucracy. By providing only enough money to pay the state's bills and provide essential services, the tem­ porary tax would get the state through the hard times without overburdening taxpayers. Ideally, the economy would expand enough so that when the tax expired, most of the lost revenue would be recovered through expansion. Now, as Illinois nears the halfway mark of fiscal 1985, did the plan work? How is the state budget doing after nearly six months without the higher in­ come tax rate? Has economic expansion made up for the lost revenue? It might sound overly op­ timistic to say the plan has worked flawlessly. But, in the uncertain world of economics the conservative,temporary tax plan enacted in 1983 has worked almost precisely as predicted. Five months after the tem­ porary tax increase expired, state revenues are up accohling to the latest reports from the state comptroller. While income tax revenue has dropped, the decrease is less than two per­ cent and is more than offset by increases in other state revenue, such as a 56 percent increase in the lottery ftind, a 31 percent increase in sales tax collections and a 57 percent hike in in­ vestment income. So far, for fiscal 1985, state revenue is up 12.6 percent over the same period one year ago. Interestingly, a look at cor­ porate income taxes in Illinois seems to bear out a prime theory of Reaganomics-that an expanding economy can in­ crease available tax revenue even in the face of tax cuts. Although the corporate tax rate* is now at four percent, rather than the 4.8 percent imposed during the temporary tax in­ crease, the state is usually taking in more money from corporations than it was a year ago. Overall, for the first five months of the fiscal year, cor­ porate tax collections are up 32 percent, or $199 million for this fiscal year, compared to $150 million during the same five months of fiscal 1984. Individual income tax revenue is down by about $68 million, but even that decrease amounts to less than six percent of total individual ; income tax collections. Con­ sidering that the state tax rate dropped about 20 percent when the temporary tax increase expired, (going from three percent to 2.5 percent) the six percent drop in revenue in­ dicates that most of the tax cut has been absorbed by the ex­ panding economy. the popular avocation today is jnakin&sjists of what they would most like to find in their Christmas stocking -- or on their ring finger or u^der the carport. We have acted^similarly in the past, sometime* wi£h moderate success, and sometimes with none at all. This year our approach will be somewhat different. We're letting Santa know what we definitely will not accept regardless of his good intentions. While it is too late to reject the gift in '84, we want Uncle Sam to know that next year we resolve to send back any income tax returns that come into our mailbox two weeks before Christmas. Such nerve, taking the joy out of all those beautiful holiday cards that share the same receptacle. Another no-no are the dire predictions which come our way by every do-gooder about everything we eat, drink, or breathe, Our last day on this earth will come, and we intend to use caution in an effort to postpone its arrival, but we refuse to let every living moment be spoiled by everything in which we come in contact. Also, we will not accept shoplifters who hike the price the rest of us who are honest must pay. We take considerable enjoy­ ment over the electronic tags, guards, computers, visible TV monitors and mirrors that are reducing the number of successful thieves. Equally unacceptable would be any more long stop lights to slow our progress. Admittedly, we are not too often rushing to an impor- Coalition for Political Honesty battles legislative pay raises The Coalition for Political Honesty ha^come out strongly against lame-duck session pay raises for legislators and ad­ vocates strengthening the Governmental Ethics Act. Coalition spokesman Patrick Quinn said the group plans a statewide campaign against any legislative pay increases recommended by the Com­ pensation Review Board. The board is a new entity, created by law in July, which has the power to set salaries of legislators, judges, statewide elected of­ ficials and Cabinet members, without the General Assembly voting on the measure. The law is written so that salary ad­ justments take effect unless a specific motion to deny is passed by both houses of the Assembly. The coalition argues that the current legislator's salary of $28,000, plus generous in­ surance, pension and fringe benefits, is adequate and comparable with other states. mm nm € ESTAURAN S- LOUNGE The Button*Down Beauty: Arrow's Dover Feel its rich Oxford cloth ...study the exact button positioning and the perfect collar roll. Arrow's Dover is handsome to see a treasure to wear1 In this, one of Arrow's finest shirts, you discover the hallmarks of value Like single-needle tailoring, a 7 button front and traditional fit There's built-in quality, all-the-way through. And there's easy-care, too, with a natural blend of 60% cotton-40% polyester. In your choice of long or short sleeve lengths, and the very latest solids and stripes. It's a comfortable classic every man appreciates. At a very comfortable price. " The Arrow Dover D.J. JIMMY MAC THIS FIRDAY & SATURDAY CELEBRATE NEW YEAR'S EVE WITH US! D.J. DANCE MUSIC .TRIVIA CONTEST.PRIZES.CHAMPACME A . *SAT. 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Elm St., McHenry, Illinois 60050 1 Subscribers are requested to provide immediate notice of change of address to the McHenry Plaindealer, 3812 W. Elm St., McHenry, III. 60050. A deduction of one month from the expiration of a subscription will be made where a change of address is provided through the Post Office department. Thomas C. Miller-Publisher Donna Santi-Editor Stoarb IDmning ilrtospaprr i © Ml N'S WEAK MEMBER NATIONAL NEWSPAPER ASSOCIATION SUBSCRIPTION RATES In McHenry County By Carrier 50 Week 1 Year by Mail $19 00 Outside McHenry County 1 Year by Mail $27.00 Th* Sound of Christmas... 1 "CABBAGE PATCH BABY!" Get a FREE "Cabbage Patch Baby" record (locally written and produced) only at McHenry Savings when you open any new account! Hurry, offer good only while supply lasts. S A V I N G S I2OT North Croon itroot McHonry II5K5 3000 10520 Moin Stioot Richmond (15 *71-20*1 1040? 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