McLean County Times

Illinois lawmakers are strongly opposing a progressive income tax proposed by Rep. Robert Martwick (D-Chicago).

More than 90 representatives have signed an open letter against the tax, and Illinois Senate and House members have proposed legislative opposition in the form of HR 0891 and SR 1590, respectively.

“Representing local governments and communities throughout Illinois, we write this letter unified in strong opposition to a progressive income tax,” the letter states. “We ask that you pledge not to support a constitutional change that would allow for this tax structure, and that you sign on to House Resolution 891 or Senate Resolution 1590 declaring such intentions this year and beyond.”

Robert Martwick, D-Chicago

The letter lists multiple reasons for the opposition to the proposed tax, including last year’s 32 percent tax increase and what some lawmakers see as Illinois’ budget issues being “a spending problem, not a revenue problem,” according to the letter.

State spending grew 25 percent faster than personal incomes from 2005 to 2015, according to the letter.

“I am against anything that Illinois does to increase taxes -- we need cuts and reforms first,” John Slagel, Livingston County District 3 board member, told McLean County Times. “No more tax increases.”

The proposed tax would also tax pass-through businesses earning as little as $225,000 at a rate of 9.15 percent.

Many Illinois legislators believe the flat tax rate is one of the state’s few remaining advantages over other states that have worker's compensation laws, better business policies and lower property taxes. 

Lawmakers also fear changing the Illinois Constitution to allow a budget increase would set a precedent for changing it to increase taxes every time the state suffers a budget problem.

“The only things we should change in our constitution are fair redistricting, remove the public-sector pension protections for all future new hires, enforce the state to pass a balanced budget on time or else a new election is held and no incumbent may run,” Slagel said.

Although the letter states the tax increase would burden the state’s middle class, Slagel clarified he thinks it would specifically hurt the poor and elderly the most.

“I consider a family with income less than $35,000 poor. I consider a family with income over $70,000 rich,” he said. “I don't consider a young single person poor or rich; they'll be fine.  I consider elderly/disabled people living on just Social Security or less poor.”

The tax increase targets people making more than $17,000 a year.

“It's just a way for people with a spending problem to get more money to waste,” Slagel said. “I do not consider anyone making over $17,000 wealthy at all.”