East Central Reporter

Champaign County is under scrutiny following an electioneering complaint related to a proposed increase in the public safety tax. The county has reportedly spent over $22,000 promoting this ballot proposition, which aims to double the existing tax. A flyer distributed in support of the tax increase suggests that the additional funds could be used to expand services for veterans.

The flyer includes a disclaimer stating: “This information is provided to disseminate factual information relative to the proposition appearing on the ballot. This is not provided to urge any elector to vote for or against any candidate or proposition. Paid for by the County of Champaign, Illinois.”

Critics argue that this claim is misleading, citing the Military Veterans Assistance Act, which outlines three funding sources for veterans' assistance: taxes levied under specific sections of the Counties Code and Illinois Public Aid Code, county general corporate funds, and state funds from the Department of Human Services. The act does not list public safety tax as a permissible funding source.

To understand what purposes this tax increase can serve, one must refer back to the original 1998 ballot question authorizing a public safety tax for crime prevention, detention, and other public safety purposes. Based on this definition, current or future public safety taxes do not appear eligible for veterans' assistance as suggested by the flyer.

The Special County Retailers’ Occupation Tax specifies different categories such as "Public Safety," "Public Facilities," "Mental Health," "Substance Abuse," or "Transportation"—each requiring distinct language on ballots. The proposed use of funds outlined in these categories does not include veterans' services.

In response to allegations of improper spending on campaign materials supporting a ballot measure, Champaign County's State’s Attorney has argued that relevant law is unconstitutionally vague. In a filing with the board of elections, they stated: “Should this matter proceed, Respondent asserts that 10 ILCS 5/9-25.1 is unconstitutionally vague as a statute which carries potentially criminal penalties as ‘factual information’ is not defined and anyone could argue that factual information constitutes information offered for personal persuasion or advocacy rather than for information and education.”

Public records suggest Champaign County may be using taxpayer money to promote a measure without clear provisions allowing its use for veteran services under current laws governing public safety taxes.

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