50 Illinois leaders unite in opposition to progressive income tax

Civic leaders across the state have signed onto an open letter declaring their opposition to a progressive income tax, as momentum continues to build against Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s signature proposal.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker made passing a progressive income tax his top priority. But community leaders across the state are uniting against a proposed amendment that would allow for the elimination of Illinois’ flat tax protection.

In an open letter to Pritzker, circulated by Illinois Policy, a bipartisan group of nearly 50 influencers are urging state lawmakers – including the governor’s allies – to take the side of taxpayers and pledge a vote against Senate Joint Resolution Constitution Amendment 1.

The letter states a shared commitment to repairing Illinois, but rejects that a progressive state income tax is the correct way to do so. Included among the letter’s signatories are dozens of mayors, county board members, village trustees, state’s attorneys and sheriffs from communities across the state, as well as leading advocacy groups.

“We stand united in opposition to SJRCA 1, the progressive income tax amendment,” the letter reads. “All evidence shows a progressive tax will make it easier to raise taxes and will create instability that will make it harder to govern, hurt businesses, damage Illinois’ economy and speed the exodus of hardworking Illinoisans.”

The letter comes as state Reps. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, and Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook, have also declared their commitment to protecting Illinois taxpayers against a progressive income tax hike.

SJCRA 1 passed the Illinois Senate on May 1, sending the proposal the Illinois House of Representatives. It has yet to be scheduled for a committee hearing, state lawmakers should commit to protecting taxpayers – not the governor’s political ambitions.