Illinois politicians are already talking about taxing retirees, adding “surcharges” and city income taxes if they can convince voters to abandon the Illinois Constitution’s flat tax protection and give lawmakers greater taxing power.

The progressive tax amendment on the ballot Nov. 3 removes the constitutional prohibition on multiple taxation, in addition to removing the flat tax protection.

Pritzker has been pushing hard for a progressive income tax amendment as a way to generate $3.7 billion for state spending.

Income taxes rose 32% for individuals and 33% for corporations in 2017, raising Illinois’ total tax burden to at least sixth highest from 10th highest. More than $1.2 billion went to pensions and debt.

In more than half of progressive tax states, the middle class pays the maximum state income tax rate.

Illinois' credit rating is just one notch above junk, the lowest of any U.S. state.