We live in a divided state. The rich live near the rich and the poor live near the poor.
The poor no longer have access to the tax base that the wealthy have access to. As a result, their schools will never be as good as the schools in wealthy communities if Illinois continues to rely on property taxes to pay for education.
We can’t allow that to happen anymore. We need to fix the way we fund our schools.
Reforming our property tax system and changing the way we fund education in Illinois is a central part of fixing the mess in our state.
Property taxes are determined by how you appraise the property – which means the wealthy and connected who can hire lawyers can do a better job of getting the value of their homes or commercial properties knocked down. And in the end, our public schools suffer. That’s a terrible system.
If you don’t pay your income tax, you’ll go to jail.
If you want to contest your property taxes, all you have to do is get a good lawyer, if you can afford it.
That’s not how we should operate in this country. We’re condemning the next generation to a life of economic oppression and segregation, and it doesn’t have to be that way.
We can do better by learning from lessons and better practices from around the country. We shouldn’t look to Springfield or to the Thompson Center for great ideas. We should look to other states. Look outward and forward, not inward or backward.
It’s time for bold action and fundamental change. If you agree, please sign up now to join our campaign for Illinois governor.
Thank you,
Chris
Chris Kennedy is running for governor of Illinois. To learn more, visit www.kennedyforillinois.com.