October 17, 2008
Special Con Con Election Update
As expected, the referendum on a Constitutional Convention (Con Con) is heating up in the media. Yet, recent polling indicates that the issue is still subdued with the public at large.
Both sides of the debate have scored victories in the public relations battle.
Don’t vote for a new constitutional convention
Yet, the public remains largely unmoved – for now. Recent polling by proponents of the Con Con reportedly shows the public divides roughly in thirds between support for Con Con, opposition and undecided. Some reports of this poll suggested that proponents were within striking distance of the 60% threshold necessary for passage. However, the higher support levels were achieved only after several “push” questions had been asked.
Earlier polling by the Alliance to Protect the Illinois Constitution (APIC) had actually shown stronger support for the ballot question with proponents registering in the mid-40s.
APIC is ramping up its activities against the Con Con. It has reportedly raised more than $1.5 million and is getting ready to launch both a downstate radio program and Chicago area television. To hear the radio ads, please visit these links:
While the Con Con has yet to catch fire, several events could ignite a surge of support: Governor Blagojevich’s stunning unpopularity; legislative gridlock, anger at property tax increases, the overwhelming sentiment of Illinois as an “wrong track” state. More help is needed to combat the Con Con and the Chamber urges every business that can to contact APIC at www.protectillinoisconstitution.org.
Top Five Reasons to Oppose the Constitutional Convention
Initiative and Referendum – Would allow voters to legislate at the ballot box by passing laws directly. The California initiative system cost employers millions of dollars each cycle to ward off dramatically anti-business proposals.
The Flat Tax – Illinois’ flat tax is one of the few protections taxpayers, especially business taxpayers, have to hold onto their money. Proponents of a graduated tax are already aggressive in the legislature. They are sure to target the Convention heavily.
8:5 Ratio – Corporations also enjoy tax protection from the current 8:5 ratio in the Constitution. The Constitution requires all income tax rates to vary no more than 8:5 between corporations and individuals. The ratio prevents legislators from hiking corporate rates without also raising individual rates.
Single Issue Agendas – Did you know the Illinois Constitution already has a clean environment article? Employers face single issue agendas like health care and global warming enshrined in a new Constitution.
Cost – Does Illinois really have an extra $100 million to spend on a Convention? This figure does not include millions of dollars business would need to spend to elect delegates, lobby the Convention and then weigh in on the final statewide approval vote.