Chicago – Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady today responded to a startling announcement by the Quinn Administration yesterday evening, declaring its intent to enact a 67 percent income tax hike in January 2011, the largest in Illinois history.

In an interview with Bloomberg News, Illinois Budget Director David Vaught, who recently made news as a political appointee receiving a $24,000 pay hike by Governor Quinn, declared, “We’re going to pass a tax increase in January.”

After citing record debt and massive unemployment under the Quinn Administration, Brady held a news conference and responded by saying, “Governor, no you are not.”
“Pat Quinn’s only answer to the worst fiscal crisis in Illinois history is to feed big government – and we’re paying for it,” he said. “We cannot afford a 67 percent tax hike while ten percent of Illinois citizens can’t find a job.”

The Governor’s 67 percent tax hike is his third such proposal since taking office in January 2009. After an initial proposal to raise taxes by 50 percent, the Governor then proposed a 33 percent hike while doling out pay hikes to political appointees.

Brady said Illinois’ record $13 billion dollar deficit, ten percent unemployment, and runaway spending show Quinn cannot manage state government, and underscored the stakes in November’s election.

“For Pat Quinn, this fiscal crisis is an excuse to feed big government, and to enact the largest tax hike in our history,” he said.

“Under a Brady Administration, this crisis will serve as an opportunity to finally make state government live within its means.”

He added, “If I’m fortunate enough to be elected as the next Governor of Illinois, I will use every available option at my disposal to stop this tax hike dead in its tracks.”

Brady (R-Bloomington) is a small business owner who has represented his community as state Senator since 2002.  He is running for governor to bring a clean break to Illinois and build a job-growing environment.  More information can be found at bradyforilliois.com.