View as PDF CHICAGO— Today marks the 40th anniversary of the founding of Taxpayers United of America (TUA), a Chicago-based tax watchdog group that has successfully fought taxes at the local, state, and federal levels, while championing the interests of taxpayers.
Founded in 1976 by economist and activist Jim Tobin while still employed as a bank examiner at the Chicago branch of the Federal Reserve Bank, Tobin was disgusted by what he saw from the inside and left the government sector to work on behalf of taxpayers. TUA has since gone on to become one of the largest taxpayer organizations in America.
“I’d love to continue this work for another 40 years,” said TUA founder and president, Jim Tobin. “Our work is critically important now more than ever, and it’s incredibly rewarding to work on behalf of taxpayers and lessen the tax burden foisted upon them by politicians and governments.”
Since TUA’s founding, the taxpayer watchdog group has made an impact on tax policy in Illinois and across America. In 1977, Tobin led the first successful property tax strike in modern Illinois history. In the past four decades, TUA has been victorious in defeating 419 tax-increase referenda, stopping 19 state income tax hikes, and defeating every attempt to enact a graduated state income tax in Illinois since 1992. TUA’s leadership and members were instrumental in repealing the Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988, legislation that increased taxes on all senior citizens, which was the first time a major federal entitlement had ever been repealed.
All combined, TUA has saved local, state, and federal taxpayers more than $200 billion of their hard-earned money since 1976.
As TUA begins a new decade of their tax-fighting mission, the organization has announced staff changes.
“I am honored to retire my position as Executive Director for TUA and pass the baton to Jared Labell,” said Rae Ann McNeilly. “There is no question that Jared has the skill, vision, and brilliance to take TUA into the next 40 years of fighting on behalf of taxpayers.”
“It has been my honor and privilege to fight the government machine under the guidance and integrity of Jim Tobin. He has stood against overwhelming odds and worked a lifetime to halt the blatant government assault on taxpayers. Of course, you never completely retire from this work; it’s in your blood. I will continue to support TUA in a more limited capacity as Senior Researcher,” concluded McNeilly.
“TUA would not be where we are today without Rae Ann’s contributions over the past 5 years,” said Tobin. “She began as a volunteer before joining the organization, but her passion and knowledge made her one of our greatest assets. Her commentary and research for TUA will continue to be of the highest caliber.”
“I am forever in Rae Ann’s debt and honored to succeed her,” said Jared Labell, TUA’s new Executive Director. “She remains my great mentor, my colleague, and my friend. I look forward to making her and Jim proud as TUA continues to defend taxpayers from destructive government policies and burdensome taxation.”