House Votes Along Party Lines to Put Tax Rate Change on Ballot

Governor J.B. Pritzker said, “For years, Illinoisans have been fighting to make our income tax system more fair to middle class families and those striving to get there, and this monumental vote in the General Assembly means that voters will have the right to decide our system for themselves in November 2020. Together, we will continue our fight to make sure that 97 percent of Illinoisans will pay the same or less in income taxes and only those making more than $250,000 pay more. I want to especially thank Senate President Cullerton, House Speaker Madigan and the working group of lawmakers who put this constitutional amendment on the ballot.” 

St. Rep. Blaine Wilhour released this statement Tuesday morning regarding the passage of the measure:

“No one denies Illinois has major problems and low taxes is certainly not one of them. We have had plenty of discussions about raising taxes, but we have not done anything to relieve the pressure on the middle class in this state. All we ever do is ask the taxpayers for more and more money. It is time for politicians to grow a backbone. The truth is dealing with the State’s fiscal issues requires political courage. We can’t get our state’s finances in order until we address the cost drivers – pensions, Medicaid, burdensome regulations and the sheer size of government.

Taxpayers deserve accountability. If we are going to open-up the Constitution and give voters a chance to vote on a Constitutional amendment, we should be asking voters for the authority to fix the state’s pension crisis instead of asking them for more of their hard-earned money.

Until we get our finances in order, we should not be asking taxpayers for any more of their hard-earned money. A progressive income tax does nothing to address the state’s structural fiscal problems nor does it promote economic growth. All it does is increase the power of the political class. I was sent here by hardworking taxpayer to fight for real reform and promote sound fiscal policies. We must all stand firm and oppose the progressive income tax. The only way we can be sure middle-class families are protected from massive tax increases is to stop the progressive income tax. We need honest citizens to get involved and defeat this Constitutional Amendment when it is on the ballot next year.“

A Property Tax Relief Task Force would be created through an amendment to the tax legislation that passed the Illinois Senate earlier this month, and the group would be required to report back to the governor and the General Assembly by December 31. An initial report would be due 90 days after the law takes effect.

The group would include two appointees from the Office of the Governor, as well as members of the House and Senate appointed by their chambers' leaders.