Gov. J.B. Pritzker
Gov. J.B. Pritzker
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider is confident that voters will make Senate Democrats pay for their push to repel the state’s flat tax in favor of a graduated income tax system.
“Today’s vote from Senate Democrats empowers J.B. Pritzker, Mike Madigan and the Democrats in power to raise taxes and spend more instead of passing the economic reforms our state desperately needs," Schneider said in a statement after Democrats on Wednesday used their super-majority in Springfield to move Gov. Pritzker’s progressive tax plan one step forward.
By a 40-19 partisan vote, Democrats easily surpassed the 60-percent threshold needed to approve a proposed amendment, setting the stage for the legislation to be moved to the House for a vote.
Illinois Republican Party Chairman Tim Schneider
“Giving politicians like Pritzker and Madigan a blank check to raise taxes will only make our state’s problems worse,” Schneider warned. “Higher taxes, more borrowing, and increased spending – that is all Illinois Democrats have to offer, and taxpayers can’t afford it. They refuse to change, and we will make sure voters hold them accountable for it.”
The bill, which will raise taxes on residents earning upwards of $250,000, has been advertised by supporters to mean an additional $3.3 billion in new revenue for the state. While arguing that the tax will only affect about 3 percent of residents, Pritzker has said he wants to see the legislation move forward by the end of the legislative session this month.
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