A key argument against a graduated income tax, where those who earn more pay a higher percentage, is that individuals who have the resources will leave the state to relocate somewhere cheaper. But the same was said when Illinois bumped up its tax rates under the flat tax system earlier this decade. An analysis finds the number of higher income taxpayers actually went up.
And, the invasive Asian carp have taken over several waterways in the midwest, threatening native species and throwing off the delicate ecological balance. Could an industry based all the way on the east coast be at least part of a solution?
We'll tackle that and more on this week's Statewide.
* Fred Bever from Maine Public Broadcasting reports on how changes in what lobstermen can use for bait has more of them looking to the midwest and the invasive nuisance fish known as Asian carp.
* Christopher Walljasper with Harvest Public Media and the Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting tells us about the controversial weed killer glyphosate, the acive ingredient in Roundup. Despite health concerns, farmers have come to rely on it.
* Maureen McKinney has our Illinois Issues reportexamining the state's lack of mental health services.
* Dana Vollmer takes us to the Illinois House floor for an emotional debate on abortion.
* Sean Crawford speaks with Bob Secter, Senior Editor with the Better Govenment Association, about an analysis of how a tax hike in Illinois impacted the wealthy. It comes as voters will decide if the state should change from a flat tax to a graduated income tax during next year's election.
* Linda Lutton of WBEZ reportson an effort to build affordable housing on assembly lines in Chicago.
* Lee Gaines of Illinois Newsroom investigates why the Illinois Department of Corrections pulled certain books from a prison library.
* Brian O'Keefe of WDCB visits the Glen Ellyn Public Library, home of the state's first short story dispenser.
Statewide, which brings you reports and conversations from in and around Illinois, is a production of NPR Illinois with help from other Illinois public radio stations. Find all our episodes online at Statewideshow.com. Drop us a line at Scraw1@uis.edu
Listen to Statewide across Illinois:
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