House Rep. Allen Skillicorn (R-Algonquin) said Illinois has a spending problem and shouldn't raise taxes.
"Illinois’ tax burden is the highest in the nation," Skillicorn said on the House floor Monday. "It's off the charts. Is this struggle about spending or revenue?"
Skillicorn said Illinois has a spending problem, not a revenue problem.
"In 2011, we had a temporary tax hike and no reforms," Skillicorn said. "In 2017, there was a permanent tax hike with no reforms. Now, this body wants to jam through another tax with no reforms."
Skillicorn said Democrats want more money.
"We haven’t had a meaningful discussion about reforming pensions or term limits," Skillicorn said. "I’ve been calling this a jobs tax because that's exactly what that is - a tax on jobs."
Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 1 passed the House on Monday with 73 yes votes and 44 no votes. It will now be on the November 2020 ballot for Illinois voters to decide. Every single Republican voted no on the bill.
Many businesses and individuals have spoken out about their disapproval of a graduated income tax structure. Critics of the structure suggest because rates aren't nailed down in the amendment that it will eventually be a tax on the middle class.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has been adamant about his preference for a "fair tax" since running for governor last year.
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