Lawmakers scrapped any requirement that the progressive income tax be ‘fair,’ giving Springfield a blank check when it comes to taxing income.

Pritzker’s progressive income tax amendment would hurt small, minority-owned businesses the most.

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.

During the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Illinois Farm Bureau twice made it a priority to tell members to oppose Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s progressive income tax hike. Their opposition is about values and principles.

Illinois can do it the old way and raise taxes to deliver pork projects. Or Illinois can be smart and make each tax dollar work hard to deliver projects that help residents and the economy.

Ultimately, the state’s spending and debt habits mean Pritzker’s plan will be a bridge to higher taxes for the middle class. Pritzker and state lawmakers should instead pursue sensible spending reforms that don’t require declaring open season on Illinois taxpayers.