Blagojevich Angry About Income Tax Hike
CHICAGO (CBS/WBBM) -- The state's 66 percent income tax hike has irked a number of people, including former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
As WBBM Newsradio 780's Mary Frances Bragiel reports, the deposed former governor claimed Gov. Pat Quinn, House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) and Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) "stuck it to the people" by raising income taxes.
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"Politicians in Springfield, they don't get it. Their philosophy's very simple. It's not 'What we can do for the people?' Instead it's 'What can the people do for us?'"
Blagojevich said it's the mind set of those in Springfield to help themselves rather than the voters.
Blagojevich is incensed by the state income tax hike, and the repeal of his program guaranteeing free rides for seniors on public transit.
He said instead of negotiating a tax hike, he would have reduced spending by cutting the state work force and increase taxes on casinos.
Blagojevich was also upset that laws weren't passed to prevent "double-dipping," that is, state pension enhancements that allow police officers and firefighters to effectively collect their full salary and pension before retiring.
He also said he wishes laws had been passed for ethics reform.
In the months after his arrest in December 2008, Blagojevich argued that Springfield conspired to get him out of the way specifically so they could raise taxes.
On WLS-AM radio in March 2009, Blagojevich said he and current Gov. Pat Quinn had made a promise not to raise taxes when they ran as a ticket with Quinn as lieutenant governor, and that Quinn was quick to talk about raising taxes when he got into office despite pleas by Blagojevich to keep the campaign promise.
A spokesman for Madigan called Blagojevich a "sociopathic fraud," blaming him for a spending free for all during his tenure. He said that is exactly what led to the state's nearly $15 billion deficit.
"I think it proves my point that I'm obviously right when they start calling me names and they can't respond to the substance of the argument," Blagojevich said.
The former governor said that, while waiting for his second trial to begin, he's currently working on a second book.
