Progressive income tax discussions could begin next week...as they prepare to drive the last nail in the coffinExtrema Liberalis Politici State Sen. Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) is carrying an amendment to adopt a “graduated” income tax structure in the Senate. Harmon said he expects the Legislature to begin its role in the process soon, and he expects a fight. | Photo courtesy of donharmon.orgBy Jerry NowickiSPRINGFIELD — Just three months removed from the most expensive gubernatorial campaign in the nation’s history, divisive political ads could soon begin populating Illinois residents’ screens once again, this time relating to a “fair tax” – or a “jobs tax” – depending on whose ad is being seen.
At issue is Illinois’ income tax structure. The state Constitution allows lawmakers to set only a single, flat income tax rate regardless of income. It currently sits at 4.95 percent.
But Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker wants to adopt a “graduated” income tax structure, which charges higher rates to higher income earners, an effort staunchly opposed by Republican lawmakers.
“Perhaps the fact that the heaviest burdens would fall on taxpayers like myself under a new fair tax