Log Cabin Chicago Blog

The Log Cabin Republicans of Illinois regretfully announce the passage of Rep. Henry Hyde.  Representative Hyde served in the United States House of Representatives from 1975 to 2007.  He represented Illinois’ 6th District in Northeast DuPage County.  He chaired the Judiciary Committee from 1995 to 2001 and the House International Relations Committee from 2001 to 2007.  He became a household name across America when he served as the lead House manager during President Bill Clinton’s impeachment trial, where he was constitutionally bound to impeach Clinton for perjury.

Representative Hyde and Democrat, Tom Lantos (D-CA), authored America’s worldwide response to the HIV/AIDS crisis in 2003 and the associated landmark foreign assistance legislation.

Hyde received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, on November 5, 2007 shortly after his retirement.

A veteran, a lawyer, and a public servant, Henry Hyde has served his country with honor and dedication. During his 32-year career in the House of Representatives, he was a powerful defender of life, a leading advocate for a strong national defense, and an unwavering voice for liberty, democracy, and free enterprise around the world. A true gentleman of the House, he advanced his principles without rancor and earned the respect of friends and adversaries alike. Log Cabin mourns Henry Hyde and remembers him for his distinguished record of service to America.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

A recent press release we distributed…

LOG CABIN REPUBLICANS CHICAGO DEPLORE

CITY-WIDE TAX INCREASES

“Taxing water, 911 calls and beer will not help to fix our city’s current problems, nor set us on the road to reform,” said David Valkema.

CHICAGO–The Log Cabin Republicans Chicago Caucus today rejected the city’s new budget, calling it fiscally irresponsible to the economic vitality of Chicago citizens. Authored by Mayor Richard M. Daley’s office, and passed by a City Council vote of 37-13, the budget calls for $5.9 billion in spending, made possible by a host of new sales and property taxes.

The new city taxes include: a 7 cent tax on each six pack of beer; a 5 cent tax on every bottle of water; a $2.50 surcharge on every 911 emergency call; and $86 million in new property taxes, the highest property tax increase in Chicago history.

“Hot off the heels of his reelection in February, Mayor Daley has chosen to take more money from hard-working individuals rather than address the broken system that causes so much waste of taxpayers’ money,” said Log Cabin Republicans Illinois president David Valkema. “Higher taxes discourage consumption and investment in our city, and make individuals more dependent on government to make ends meet.”

In justifying his support for Mayor Daley’s budget–passed despite a rare show of opposition in the City Council–Alderman Isaac Carothers (29th) said, “no pain, no gain.” “Indeed, the new tax hikes and spending in Chicago are a lot of pain offset with very little gain,” said Log Cabin Republicans Illinois board member Richard Lorenc.

“We were happy to see, however, that out of the nine new council members elected this year, only three voted for the budget as a whole, and only four voted for the property tax increase,” said Lorenc.

The Log Cabin Republicans Chicago Caucus continues to work for the election of fiscally responsible, socially fair-minded candidates who advocate the reduction of government power and influence in all areas. The group will assist such candidates in the 2009 City Council elections.

###

The Log Cabin Republicans Chicago Caucus are a division of the Log Cabin Republicans Illinois, a state chapter of the national organization. Its mission is to advance issues of interest for LGBT Americans and make their voices heard within the Republican Party.