TWO QUARTERS AND A DIME. . .NOT SO FAST!

July 14, 2024

Share Article:

During the October 25th Kane County Finance meeting, when the committee was debating whether or not to authorize an increase in the County Motor Fuel Tax, Madam Chair made a striking assertion. She stated that she calculated, through what she described as a “mental exercise,” that the average consumer would spend a mere two quarters and a dime—60 cents a week—with the proposed increases in motor fuel tax.


This statement summarizes what is wrong with our governing officials.


To reduce the impact of tax increases to the equivalent of pocket change is not just a misrepresentation; it’s a blatant disregard for the struggles of hardworking individuals and families in our community. It dismisses the burden they face.

Today, I stand before you not just as a concerned citizen but as a representative of a growing sentiment within our community—a sentiment burdened by an increasingly unsustainable tax system. Illinois, a state we cherish, has the second-highest property tax rate in the United States. This isn’t a statistic to wear as a badge of honor; it’s a call to action for change.


The US Census reveals a stark reality: Illinois leads the nation with a staggering 6930 local governments, far surpassing Texas, which follows with 5533. Texas, being 4.7 times the size of Illinois and having a population 2.5 times larger, showcases the enormity of this disparity. In Illinois, almost 7000 local governing bodies have woven a complex web of bureaucracy, complicating our lives and overtaxing our wallets.


Consider for a moment the property tax bill of a St. Charles resident—ten taxing bodies itemized, each vying for a piece of their hard-earned income. Moreover, many of these taxing entities, including Kane County, are proposing tax increases for the upcoming year. They assure us these hikes will have minimal impact, but let’s be honest: every increase adds to the progressive burden on taxpayers, no matter how small.


What’s disheartening is the stark reality that while these tax increases loom over us, predominantly, it’s government employees who seem to be getting the raises. The hardworking citizens who bear the brunt of these taxes are left struggling to make ends meet, provide for their families, and invest in their futures.


The never-ending cycle of tax hikes extends beyond property taxes; motor fuel taxes, sales taxes, and increased assessment fees further strain our financial well-being. There’s no escape, no relief from this ceaseless burden imposed upon us.

Kane County should focus on better managing current resources before burdening taxpayers further. We demand fiscal responsibility and accountability from our governing bodies. The overreach of government and the excessive layers of taxation are obstacles to our community’s growth and prosperity.


I urge this Board to reconsider the impact of these constant tax increases on hardworking families. Let’s seek solutions that prioritize our community’s welfare, fostering an environment where our citizens can thrive without the weight of overbearing taxation. Before squeezing every last penny from taxpayers, I propose that the Board reallocate “two quarters and a dime” from the wasteful spending in the existing budget to cover the necessities indicated in the proposed tax increase.



Thank you for your time and your consideration.

Hopeful for Tax Relief, Kane County TAX PAYER

Follow Us:

Latest Articles, Submissions & Community Highlights

Participating groups, neighborhood leaders, and citizen coalitions can share news, documents, or resources here.

September 3, 2025
A federal lawsuit filed by attorney Rick Jaffe is challenging the legal foundation of the CDC’s vaccine recommendation process—and its outcome could dramatically reshape how vaccines are mandated and promoted in Kane County, Illinois. At the center of the lawsuit is the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which recommends vaccines for children and adults. These recommendations are widely adopted by state health departments and school systems. However, the lawsuit alleges that ACIP’s procedures violate federal law, particularly the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), which requires transparency, public access, and balanced representation in federal advisory bodies. ⚖️ Key Allegations Against the CDC and ACIP Lack of Legal Authority: The lawsuit claims ACIP is not legally authorized to make binding recommendations that lead to mandates, especially for children. Violation of FACA: Plaintiffs argue that ACIP fails to meet FACA’s standards for public accountability, including open meetings and proper documentation. Conflicts of Interest: The suit highlights that ACIP members may have financial ties to pharmaceutical companies, undermining the integrity of their recommendations. No Public Input: The process by which vaccines are added to the childhood schedule allegedly lacks meaningful public engagement or scientific debate. 🧨 National Impact If the Lawsuit Succeeds If the court rules in favor of the plaintiffs, the CDC’s vaccine schedule could be declared legally invalid. This would: Strip federal agencies of their ability to influence state-level mandates. Force states to independently justify vaccine requirements without relying on CDC guidance. Create a legal precedent for challenging other federal advisory committees operating outside FACA compliance. 🏘️ What This Means for Kane County, Illinois Kane County’s public health policies—including school vaccine requirements—are shaped by Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) guidelines, which in turn rely heavily on CDC/ACIP recommendations. A successful lawsuit could: Disrupt School Mandates: Local districts like St. Charles 303 and Geneva 304 may need to revisit vaccine requirements for enrollment. Empower Parental Rights Advocates: The legal challenge strengthens calls to post the Illinois Certificate of Religious Exemption form alongside other required documents, ensuring equal access and informed consent. Reinforce Local Legal Efforts: It could bolster arguments made in the 2021 Kane County lawsuit filed by school employees opposing vaccine/testing mandates. Shift Health Department Strategy: The Kane County Health Department may need to revise its public messaging and policy framework to reflect a more localized, transparent approach. 🔍 A Turning Point for Transparency and Autonomy This lawsuit is more than a legal technicality—it’s a challenge to centralized authority in public health. Advocates argue that families, not federal agencies, should make medical decisions for their children. If the courts agree, Kane County could become a model for restoring local control, informed consent, and parental rights in vaccine policy. For more info regarding this important lawsuit: EXCLUSIVE: The Lawsuit That Could Collapse the CDC’s Vaccine Empire Overnight | Daily Pulse  Direct link to the lawsuit: complaint2.pdf
September 2, 2025
Dangerous Expansion of Abortion Access IN ILLINOIS
September 2, 2025
A closer look at the controversial produce coating and what consumers should know.