Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) worries that hundreds of state employees, including two legislators, are basically telling Illinois residents: Don't do as we do; do as we say.
After learning that as many as 312 state employees, including two incumbent lawmakers, have not filed state tax returns from as far back as 2014, McSweeney introduced House Bill 4039, which would make the names of legislators who have remained in default even after receiving late notices a matter of public record.
The Chicago Tribune reported that some members of the state police, four court staffers and workers from State’s Attorney Lisa Madigan and Secretary of State Jesse White’s offices were guilty of not filing.
“This is outrageous,” McSweeney told the Lake County Gazette. “As lawmakers, we should be setting a standard and leading by example.”
The veteran lawmaker long ago took on the crusade of fighting tax increases and argues that he sees this latest development as yet another affront to taxpayers.
“If there is a member who is delinquent, the public should be made aware of it,” he said. “They should know who isn’t filing taxes.”
McSweeney’s proposal would make the identities of lawmakers public 180 days after they have been sent an initial notice.
He said reaction to the measure from his colleagues has been favorable, with some even proposing that the legislation be expanded to include the names of all state employees.
“I would love to do that," McSweeney said. "I mean, this is the first step. I would certainly be supportive of adding state employees."
Earlier this year, McSweeney also proposed House Bill 358, which sought to impose a permanent property tax freeze across the state.
McSweeney reasoned that more and more of his constituents were either leaving the region or contemplating doing so based on rising taxes that now are among the highest in the nation.
“We need to get our house in order, and that goes for both Republicans and Democrats,” he said.