Does your lawmaker oppose a progressive income tax?

One progressive tax proposal filed in the Illinois House of Representatives would hike income taxes on Illinoisans earning as little as $17,300 a year.

Given Illinois’ reckless spending habits and sluggish economy, a graduated, or “progressive” income tax is the last thing the state needs. But multiple constitutional amendments to get a progressive income tax on the ballot in November are currently before lawmakers in the General Assembly.

Thankfully, state Rep. David McSweeney, R-Barrington Hills, introduced House Resolution 891, which states that “the Illinois Constitution should not be amended to permit a graduated income tax.”

Lawmakers opposing further tax hikes on overburdened Illinoisans would be wise to consider McSweeney’s resolution. While sold as a tax on the rich, one progressive tax proposal currently in a House subcommittee would hike income taxes on Illinoisans earning as little as $17,300.

As of April 3, the following state lawmakers have signed on as co-sponsors to HR 891:

Rep. Steve Andersson, R-Geneva
Rep. Nick Sauer, R-Lake Barrington
Rep. Allen Skillicorn, R-East Dundee
Rep. John Cabello, R-Machesney Park
Rep. Sheri Jesiel, R-Winthrop Harbor
Rep. Barbara Wheeler, R-Crystal Lake
Rep. Mark Batinick, R-Plainfield
Rep. Patricia Bellock, R-Hinsdale
Rep. Jeanne Ives, R-Wheaton
Rep. Ryan Spain, R-Peoria
Rep. Joe Sosnowski, R-Rockford
Rep. Margo McDermed, R-Mokena
Rep. Brian Stewart, R-Freeport
Rep. Daniel Swanson, R-Alpha
Rep. Dave Severin, R-Benton
Rep. Grant Wehrli, R-Naperville
Rep. Peter Breen, R-Lombard
Rep. David Welter, R-Morris
Rep. Brad Halbrook, R-Shelbyville
Rep. C.D. Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville
Rep. Robert Pritchard, R-Hinckley
Rep. Christine Winger, R-Wood Dale
Rep. John Cavaletto, R-Salem
Rep. Reginald Phillips, R-Charleston

Update (4/6/18): State Rep. Tom Bennett, R-Pontiac, has signed on as a co-sponsor.

Update (4/11/18) Forty-nine Republican members of the Illinois House joined House Minority Leader Jim Durkin in opposing the progressive tax.

Update (4/27/18) State Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Smithton, signed on as chief co-sponsor to HR 891. Costello is the first Democrat this year to sign on to a resolution opposing the progressive income tax.

Illinoisans can sign a petition urging their state representative to oppose a progressive income tax here.