You’ve heard all the slogans and monikers: “Tax-and-spend,” “Spend less - tax less,” “Borrow more - tax more - spend more,” and even “Cut - Cut - Cut.” Now Springfield has a new one: “Tax more - spend more - don't pay bills - force the problem on to the next generation.”

It’s a convenient strategy, since lawmakers are simply focused on their next elections. But in the midst of a recession that is threatening to double-dip, with unemployment still near record-highs, with energy prices skyrocketing, with families tightening their belts to merely survive in the face of higher taxes and fees…Illinois’ new budget spends even more than last year’s. You read that right. See here for more details.