Illinois families and businesses need certainty when it comes to planning for their future said Sen. Rezin and several Senate Republican legislators during a press conference announcing legislation that opposes any attempt to amend our state Constitution to allow for a graduated income tax rate, which would be another tax increase on Illinois families.
The Illinois Constitution requires a flat income tax, meaning all earners pay an equal percentage of their income to the state. A Constitutional amendment would be needed to allow for a graduated income tax. This would allow the state to set different rates for different levels of income.
Currently, there are several proposed amendments to the Illinois Constitution making their way through the General Assembly that, if passed with a supermajority, would send the question to the ballot box for voters do decide.
“Illinois’ current flat tax rate provides a more predictable, sustainable, and enticing climate for all,” State Senator Sue Rezin (R-Morris). “A graduated income tax system would only speed up the mass exodus of families and businesses leaving our state. It’s important we send a message now opposing such a proposal.”
“I am proud to stand with my Senate Republican colleagues to oppose a graduated income tax system,” said Senate Republican Leader Bill Brady (R-Bloomington). “We need to create jobs and improve our economic development, what we don’t need is another tax increase on Illinois families. We are here to defend taxpayers.”
As an example of the danger of a graduated tax system, Senate Republicans note the income levels and graduated rates seen in the state of California:
$0 to $16,029 – 1 percent
$16,030 to $38,001 – 2 percent
$38,002 to $59,977 – 4 percent
$59,978 to $83,257 – 6 percent
$83,258 to $105,223 – 8 percent
$105,224 to $537,499 – 9.3 percent
$537,500 to $644,997 – 10.3 percent
$644,998 to $999,999 – 11.3 percent
$1,000,000 to $1,074,995 – 12.3 percent
$1,074,996 or greater – 13.3 percent