Illinois, Meet West Virginia

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/01/12/ill-lawmakers-pass-percent-income-tax-increase/

Apparently Illinois wants businesses and individuals to move out, too.

I'm curious Mike, is there a sales tax in IL and if so, what is the percentage? I know here in WV ours is 6% on everything with the exception of food which was recently lowered to 3%. Personally I favor putting the 3% back on with the money directed at infrastructure spending.

And while I thought that was high, I know both NC and TN both have sales tax rates between 9 and 10%. Personally, I would rather have a high sales tax rate then to increase the income tax. At least with sales, everyone pays their share.

Hi Aaron,

That is what is so infuriating--Illinois has a base sales tax of 6.25%, which the counties and municipalities being allowed to add on top of that. The tax in Chicago is 10.25%, including the state, regional transit, county, and city of Chicago portions. And if you are buying alcohol or eating out, the sales tax is even higher.

Down where I am, the sales tax is 7%. Property taxes are very high in Illinois (my cousin pays 9K a year, my brother and mother pay about 5K, mine are lower because my house is 110 years old and was assessed very low:). The absolute only thing that Illinois had going for it was the low income tax, and now that is gone also. The corporate taxes also increased.

I hate to jump ship as I really like the town that I have found to live in, but Tennessee is calling.

I've thought about TN as well Mike. What part would you consider?

Cookeville is nice. There's some manufacturing there (Durco Pumps and Valves) plus, it's about half-way between Knoxville and Nashville.

My wife's sister is in Nashville, which is a town I enjoyed thoroughly. I've been outside Knoxville (like the rest of the world) at the Smokies, and I think halfway between would be nice. I've not yet been to Memphis.

Tennessee manages without a general state income tax. So too do Florida, Alaska, Nevada, and Texas. A couple of others do as well but do not come to mind. Illinois is going to lose people and jobs (and with them, revenue), over this. The libs have given us the perfect case study. If, in five years, Illinois is doing better than those states that are cutting taxes, then the libs will be vindicated. I have my doubts.

I spent a night in Memphis as a guest of Continental Airlines having missed my connector. It was scheduled for take-off prior to my arrival. The pace seemed amenable but my stay was too short to really come to any conclusions.

Louisiana is also pleasant in climate, the mien of it's people, and the richness of food and culture.

I was in Louisiana over Mardi Gras. Bleh!

I suppose, though, I would love it any other time of the year. Chicory in the coffee, though originally meant as a cheap filler, is fabulous, and cajun is where it's at. We have a chef down here in the sticks from Louisiana who operates a cajun restaurant in the middle of nowhere called the "Cajun Connection."

It's 748 am in Illinois and I think I must get to the above location immediately!

Jimmy, what keeps you in Wheeling? That is another city I like very much, although I would likely live in PA 20 miles of so east.

We recently spruced up the old homestead, Sheik, and I think that means I'll be here until the end. I, too, like Washington, PA which is 30 miles to the east.

The Cajuns have a product called pistolettes. They put a delicate etoufee on a roll that can only have been deep-fried (it is so light and airy). I'll never forget it. Of course you can find gumbos and etoufees everywhere. They have a product they sell in the mornings, a smoked sausage with a roll baked around it and a bit of jalapeno pepper marking it that really wakes you up. To get the chicoree you must ask for the Community Coffee (a brand of coffee). In New Orleans you can buy rum alexanders and hurricanes from a mechanical dispenser. In the western parishes you can buy them in a flippin' drive-thru!

Then there's the muffeletas and the grinders with the jalapena mayo and the red beans and rice. They say if you don't serve the red beans with the rice the rice will get up and walk right off the table!

https://www.nolacajun.com/search.asp?keyword=muff&sortby=1&catid=18&gclid=CKjJo_D8t6YCFcnc4AodsyY1HQ

Mike,

FYI......PA is a real PIA when it comes to homeschooling. I seem to recall you expressing some interest in homeschooling. I will not live in PA for that reason.

Steph,

VERY important consideration, thanks! My wife is a certified teacher, though, which may make homeschooling possible in PA (although she would need to get certified in PA as well, which I imagine is not impossible).

I'm sure it wouldn't hurt! Before moving there I'd check it out, though!

Don't think I'll be able to sell the house anytime soon, so no immediate plans. Thanks for the heads up!