Senate Republicans sign on to resolution opposing progressive income tax

Following their colleagues in the House, 19 members of the Illinois Senate have signed on to a resolution opposing a progressive tax in Illinois.

Illinois taxpayers scored a major victory last week when 50 state representatives signed on to a resolution opposing a progressive income tax. This cut into the supermajority support needed to pass a progressive tax constitutional amendment out of the House of Representatives.

Now, Senate Republicans are following suit by signing on to Senate Resolution 1590. Nineteen state senators in the Republican caucus have signed on to the resolution opposing a progressive income tax. Three Senate Republicans – Neil Anderson, R-Moline; Sam McCann, R-Jacksonville; and Kyle McCarter, R-Vandalia – have not yet signed on.

While often sold to voters as a tax on the rich, Illinois’ state spending problems mean middle-class families would be whacked by a progressive tax structure, where tax rates rise with one’s income. A progressive tax proposal currently in the House would hike income taxes on Illinoisans earning as little as $17,300.

Given proposals like this, it’s no wonder more than 20,000 Illinois taxpayers have signed on to a petition opposing a progressive income tax via illinoispolicy.org. A poll conducted by Illinois Policy found 42 percent of active likely voters in Illinois oppose a progressive tax, with 29 percent unsure or having no opinion, and 29 percent supporting.

While these resolutions are welcome news for Illinoisans, this fight is not over. Some state lawmakers will continue to push for a progressive tax hike in Illinois.

Illinoisans can sign a petition urging their elected officials to oppose a progressive income tax here.