On Tuesday, Freshman Democrat Paul Froehlich voted in lock-step with Chicago Democrat leaders in opposing House Republican legislation that would have repealed the Cook County tax hike by rolling back the sales tax by 1%.

The House Republican legislation would have rolled the sales tax back by 1%.  The measure also instituted key reforms, including requiring any new tax increase to be approved by popular referendum.

“Democrat Paul Froehlich’s continued support of Todd Stroger and his tax increases is hurting Cook County families and small businesses,” said Pat Brady, Republican National Committeeman.  “During a time when families are struggling and small businesses are on the brink of collapse, it’s hard to fathom why Paul Froehlich is supporting Todd Stroger and his tax increase that is funding excessive spending and waste in Cook County.”

Paul Froehlich voted against House Bill 3948 on Tuesday.  The Republican-sponsored legislation would roll back the current Cook County home rule sales tax by 1% within 30 days, which is the rate it was before the tax hike was voted upon late before the budget deadline Feb. 29, 2008. The bill would also require any future proposed increases to be approved by popular referendum.

Since the Stroger Tax Increase, Chicago has held the title of the single highest sales tax in the nation at 10.25 %. Comparatively, New York City and Los Angeles are both below 8.5 %. The tax took effect July 1.