Springfield, IL … In response to Cook County President Todd Stroger’s sales tax hike, State Representative Michael McAuliffe (R-Chicago) voted yes on legislation to roll back the county sales tax and mandate a referendum be approved by voters on such increases. Unfortunately, the legislation today failed to receive the 71 votes needed to pass – 61 yes, 55 no.

“Families are taxed to death when you combine the city, county and state taxes on items purchased. Todd Stroger’s tax hike increased the price on everyday items such as appliances, clothing and school supplies. Families living in the inner neighborhoods of Chicago don’t have the option of driving to neighboring counties for cheaper goods. In this economy, people are struggling to make ends meet and this tax increase makes it that much more difficult to maintain a household,” he said.

McAuliffe sponsored House Bill 715 that would roll back the county sales tax to its original 0.75 percent. The legislation also mandates the maximum rate a Home Rule County can impose for sales tax at 0.75 percent. The bill would also require any future proposed increases to be approved by popular referendum.

Cook County is the only home rule county in the state and therefore does not need voter permission to raise taxes like the other 101 counties in Illinois. In February 2008, the Cook County Board approved a measure that more than doubled the county sales tax from 0.75 percent to 1.75 percent.

“I am very disappointed this legislation did not pass, however, I am not surprised by the outcome. Cook County taxpayers deserve a fiscally responsible government, not a county board that raises taxes at midnight to further fund a bloated system with patronage and waste,” he said. “I urge voters to remember what county commissioners voted for the tax increase and let your voice be heard during the next election!”

McAuliffe is also the chief sponsor of House Bill 3936 that requires a three-fifths supermajority vote for any tax or fee increases by Cook County. A 60-percent vote requirement of the Cook County Board of Commissioners would require 11 members of the current total 17 members to vote and approve the proposal to increase a tax or fee. Currently only nine members are needed.

“Since we can’t change the outcome of the sales tax hike, then the General Assembly has the right to increase the number of commissioners needed to approve a tax increase. The Illinois House needs 3/5ths approval on all tax increase legislation and we should have the same rules for all levels of government,” McAuliffe said.

McAuliffe expects the bill to be called for a vote in the very near future.