Lake County GOP Campaigns Against School Sales Tax Referendum

The Lake County Republican Central Committee has launched a campaign opposing a Nov. 3 referendum that would impose a 1 percent countywide sales tax to fund school improvements. The group argues residents already face high taxes and rising costs, urging districts to control spending instead. Revenue could fund construction, school resource officers, and mental health professionals, while exempting groceries, vehicles, services, and medications. Twenty-three school districts representing a majority of students approved placing the question on the ballot. Supporters say the tax offers an alternative to property taxes and captures revenue from visitors shopping in the county.