Palatine, IL … As college tuition continues to rise, parents are encouraged to learn about Illinois 529 plans that will ease the burden of paying for college through a seminar sponsored by State Representative Suzanne “Suzie” Bassi (R-Palatine).

“As the cost of college continues to dramatically increase, Illinois families are looking to get ahead in saving for their child’s higher education. Both College Illinois and Bright Start offer great saving opportunities for all income levels. I urge all families to look into both programs and see what works best for them,” said Bassi.

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Springfield, IL … In response to Cook County President Todd Stroger’s sales tax hike, State Representative Suzanne “Suzie” Bassi (R-Palatine) voted yes on legislation to roll back the county sales tax and mandate a referendum be approved by voters on such increases. Unfortunately, the legislation today failed to receive the 71 votes needed to pass – 61 yes, 55 no.

“Todd Stroger’s greed has severely impacted the communities that I represent from families forced to drive across the border for cheaper goods to municipalities and other taxing bodies that are reaping less money from the sales tax,” said Bassi. “This tax hike increased the price on everyday items such as clothing, appliances and school supplies making it that much more difficult to maintain a household in these difficult economic times.” Continue reading »

Springfield, IL … State Representative Suzanne “Suzie” Bassi (R-Palatine) urges Speaker Madigan to allow two key pieces of legislation that would overturn last year’s Cook County sales tax hike to be voted on the House floor.

“I am thrilled these bills passed the Executive Committee and I urge Speaker Madigan to allow a vote on the floor. I remain hopeful that the General Assembly can right the wrong made by Cook County Board President Todd Stroger. Cook County taxpayers deserve a fiscally responsible government, not a county board that raises taxes on the sly at midnight before a budget deadline,” said Bassi.

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A new website has been created to allow state government to share information about the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, or what is more commonly referred to as the federal stimulus package.

The Illinois website, www.recovery.illinois.gov, is designed to be more specific to Illinois compared with the federal website www.recovery.com that was set up by the federal administration. Continue reading »

Chicago, IL … On the one-year anniversary of the Cook County Board’s decision to increase the sales tax making it the highest in the nation, State Rep. Suzanne “Suzie” Bassi (R-Palatine) renewed her call for fiscal responsibility by filing new legislation to roll the sales tax back by 1.0 percent.

“Today marks the 1-year anniversary of the day that Cook County Board President Todd Stroger pushed through a county sales tax that more than doubled the current rate. Chicago now holds the highest sales tax rate of 10.25 percent, far above New York City and Los Angeles with 8.5 percent,” said Bassi. Continue reading »