[Southside_Chicago_Republican]

In Illinois, as cigarette taxes have increased, total tax revenue collected from cigarette taxes has decreased as an estimated 1 in 5 cigarettes in Illinois are smuggled across state and county lines to avoid paying Illinois’ lofty excise taxes. Much like cigarette taxes, it’s possible a soda tax will drive Illinoisans to cross state and county lines to buy their soda where it’s taxed less. If past trends hold true, it’s possible the new taxes on sugary beverages will drive business out of Illinois and Cook County rather than generate revenue.

They are counting on people continuing to buy the taxed drinks so the revenue keeps flowing. That's what it is all about. Not health. The Cook County Board President threatened county job layoffs if the tax didn't stand. Of course, in the long run the revenue will not be what they need and they will have to raise the tax or add a tax to some other item.

[PhilCollins]

Liberals should have learned, at least 20 years ago, that many people change their behavior, because of taxes. In about 1991, the New Jersey legislature passed a new tax on farm machinery, including tractors and combines. As soon as the tax went into effect, many New Jersey farmers bought their tractors and combines in Penn., causing the New Jersey vehicle tax revenue to decrease.

Cook Co. Board President Preckwinkle beat Todd Stroger, in 2010, because he approved increasing the county sales tax rate. Since she did the same thing, she should agree that she should lose. Who will run against her in 2018? No one ran against her in 2014.