SPRINGFIELD…State Representative Mike Marron (R-Fithian) joined the entire House Republican caucus in voting NO to change the Illinois Constitution to allow a flat tax system to a graduated/progressive system without set tax rates. Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment (SJRCA) would eliminate the flat income tax and institute a system without set rates that can be increased at any time going forward.
“I ran for the General Assembly to work for the tax payers of this state and especially for the citizens I represent in the 104th District to try to get a handle on our disastrous spending habit,” said Rep. Marron. “It is not right to change our Constitution to allow for taxes to be raised on any group of income earners each year without set tax rates. This gives a blank check to the Governor and the Democrats to spend even more taxpayers’ money without any reforms or fiscal restraint.”
As Leader Durkin said, “If the Democrats were sincere about protecting the middle class, then they should have the rates that they are proposing incorporated in the Constitution. Otherwise, they will be subject to change by the same people that raised taxes over the last 10 years, and you just can’t trust them.”
“We should take a step back and implement a more measured approach. We should be working to live within our means and improve our business climate in Illinois,” said Rep. Marron. “Now is not the time to continue to treat the hardworking people and business owners of our state like an ATM. The current constitution provides safeguards and protections for middle-income families that we desperately need to keep in Illinois. It helps to force lawmakers to face economic and spending realities.”
Gov. JB Pritzker plans to raise additional taxes on Illinois families and businesses by at least $3.4 billion. Rep. Marron argued that the unexpected uptick in state income tax collections in April of $1.2 billion makes any tax hikes unnecessary to balance the budget this year or next, and the Governor’s own Budget and Revenue offices have indicated that Illinois’ financial condition will continue to improve due to federal tax law changes and the strong economy.
“Illinois residents are already paying the highest combined state and local taxes in the nation in addition to some of the highest property tax rates in the nation,” said Rep. Marron. “We believe the Democrats’ efforts today put families and businesses even more at risk.”
The amendment required a three-fifths majority in the House to pass. The bill passed the House with 73 votes and is now sent to the Governor’s desk. The question of whether to amend the Constitution to allow for a graduated income tax will be on the ballot for Illinois voters to decide in November of 2020.