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 Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s prized constitutional amendment
is moving in Springfield, but new polling shows why Illinois House members
should stop it.
The Senate Executive Committee on April 10 passed Senate Joint Resolution
Constitutional Amendment 1 – which would eliminate Illinois’ flat tax
protection, allow lawmakers to pass new types of income taxes and open the door
for the nation’s highest corporate income tax.
But likely voters in House districts held by Democrats aren’t buying what
Pritzker is selling.
In each of the seven districts polled – held by state Reps. Terra Costa Howard,
D-Glen Ellyn; Karina Villa, D-West Chicago; Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville;
Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook; Sue Scherer, D-Decatur; Monica Bristow, D-Alton;
and Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville – likely voters were opposed or split on
Pritzker’s “plan for the state of Illinois to change to a graduated income tax
system.”
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Notably, respondents who said they were aware of
Pritzker’s tax plan were more likely to oppose a constitutional
amendment allowing for a graduated income tax.
A nonprofit funded by Pritzker is buying TV ads
throughout the state promoting the governor’s plan, which he dubbed
the “fair tax.”
Illinoisans know trading the Illinois Constitution’s flat tax
protection for Pritzker’s illusory promise of tax relief is a bad
deal. Ultimately, Illinois’ spending and debt habits mean Pritzker’s
plan will be a bridge to higher taxes for the middle class.
That’s why state lawmakers should reject the governor’s false choice
between a progressive income tax hike, a flat tax hike and massive
spending reductions. The Illinois Policy Institute’s Budget
Solutions 2020 plan offers a bipartisan five-year plan that would
balance the state budget while reducing debt and allowing for tax
reductions.
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