New poll shows strong opposition to income-tax increase, strong support for Right-to-Work law

February 17, 2015

SPRINGFIELD (Feb. 17, 2015) – Illinois residents strongly support keeping the state income tax at 3.75 percent and support a Right-to-Work law, according to a pollcommissioned by the nonpartisan Illinois Policy Institute.

The poll found that less than one quarter of Illinoisans are open to increasing the state’s income–tax rate to 4.25 percent, up from the current 3.75 percent – a proposal that has been floated in the Illinois Statehouse. More than 60 percent of Illinoisans support the principles of a Right-to-Work law, which gives workers the freedom to choose if they want to be in a union at their workplace. And the poll, conducted by Ogden & Fry, found that one month into his first term, more people have a favorable view of Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner than an unfavorable view.

“What the results of this poll convey first and foremost is that Illinois residents will not tolerate a tax increase, and they absolutely are right to feel this way. A lack of revenue is not Illinois’ problem – it’s state government spending that has been out of control,” said Kristina Rasmussen, executive vice president of the Illinois Policy Institute. “The 2011 tax increase generated more than $31 billion for state coffers, yet the bill backlog remains and politicians still weren’t able to make ends meet. Illinoisans agree it’s time for a new approach that doesn’t involve taking more from hardworking residents.”

Results from the poll:

  • Gov. Bruce Rauner job approval: 41.2 percent approval, 35.6 percent disapproval and 23.3 unsure
  • Retroactive state income–tax increase to 4.25 percent, up from the current rate of 3.75 percent: 62.4 percent oppose, while only 23.7 percent support a taxincrease and 13.9 percent are unsure
  • Move government workers into 401(k)-style retirement plan: 49.3 percent support, 32 percent oppose, 18.7 percent unsure
  • Give state government workers right to choose whether they should belong to union: 60.7 percent support, 26.6 percent oppose, 12.7 percent unsure.
  • Local Right-to-Work laws: 55.9 percent support, 30.6 percent oppose, 13.5 percent unsure.

According to the pollster, 36.8 percent of respondents self-identified as independent, while 34.5 percent of Illinoisans polled self-identified as Democrats while 28.7 percent self-identified as Republicans. The poll surveyed 481 people with a margin of error at 4.56 percent at a 95 percent confidence interval.

For interviews or bookings: Nathaniel Hamilton or Diana Rickert (312) 607-4977.