“It stands athwart history, yelling ‘STOP,’ at a time when no one is inclined to do so, or to have much patience with those who so urge it.”

William F. Buckley Jr. -National Review magazine, 1955

 

Mission Statement: Our goal is to prevent any increase in the state income tax, cut wasteful spending, lessen the impact of special interests in Springfield, and help our fellow citizens use their God given abilities to grow and prosper our economy.

 

In the aftermath of Taxpayer “Tea Party” protests across the United States, a new statewide Illinois grassroots effort has been organized to oppose Governor Patrick Quinn’s proposals to increase corporate and individual tax rates by 50%.

The new statewide organization which is called “STOP-IT” is led by Patrick J. Hughes, a Hinsdale lawyer and developer, who describes himself as “new to politics but a veteran taxpayer.”

Hughes said, “Quinn’s tax increase proposals will hamper investment, encourage many Illinois small businesses and corporations to relocate out of state, and increase our already high unemployment rate of 9.1% even further. Quinn’s proposals will result in less, not more revenue for Illinois over the long run as our economy contracts.”

Hughes continued, “Business is not business as usual on Main Street Illinois. Small businesses are going bankrupt… mortgage foreclosures are at record highs… families are being forced to cut back in many ways to survive. Yet business in Springfield is business as usual… tax and spend… corrupt government by and for special interests… out of control state pensions… and the list goes on as Illinois government has become a national embarrassment. It’s time to start trying to take our government back from those who have so failed their responsibilities to honest taxpayers.

The formation of STOP-IT (Sensible Taxpayers Opposed to Increased Taxes) will advocate for lower taxes and fiscal responsibility and restrained spending in Illinois so that private sector growth will be Illinois’ answer to allow us to escape from the present economic downturn.

Taxpayers have tightened their belts and now it’s time for Springfield politicians to do the same.”

Hughes said, “STOP-IT plans to make nearly 500,000 grassroots calls to encourage taxpayers to call their legislators to oppose the Quinn tax hikes.” Hughes plans to travel the state to encourage taxpayers to contact their legislators to vote against the tax hikes.

Patrick J. Hughes, 40, is a lifelong Illinois resident, a graduate of Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and a graduate of DePaul University College of Law. He lives with his wife Susan and their three children in Hinsdale, Illinois.