Jim Dodge thinks there is an easy solution for the problem of all the opposition being voiced to J.B. Pritzker’s proposal for an increase to the state’s flat tax rate.
“He can always write a check to the state to cover everything,” Dodge told the Prairie State Wire. “He could pick the highest rate he wants and just write the check. The truth is there isn’t a snowflake chance in hell of that happening.”
Dodge’s words were fueled by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Pritzker recently going on record with his admission that he favors temporarily increasing the state’s flat income tax rate while lawmakers work toward a change to the state Constitution that would pave the way for a graduated income tax.
Pritzker, who is set to face off against Gov. Bruce Rauner in November’s general election, said his plan would also boost credits and deductions, though he shied away from detailing what he thinks the final, increased tax rate would look like.
During the Democratic primary season, Pritzker said that his graduated tax idea would make tax rates synonymous with income levels. Ultimately, the issue would be placed on the ballot for voters to consider, with the earliest timetable being in 2020.
“I think it’s the exact wrong thing for Illinois,” Dodge, an Orland Park Republican who ran unopposed in the GOP primary for state treasurer, said. “The state doesn’t have a revenue problem but a financial insanity and spending control problem. The last thing residents need is a bigger tax burden without solving any problems.”
Dodge said there is also another solution.
“The main thing for government is not making promises you can’t keep,” he said. "Inefficient government will just keep running people out of the state. No one runs from prosperity, and we have one of the highest tax burdens in the country from a decade of bad financial decisions"
Alerts Sign-up