May 19, 2020

Anna Murray 

The US Republicans in Illinois asked to hold a vote for discarding the progressive income tax, saying it would be a “kick in the teeth” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, the governor of Illinois, J.B. Pritzker, has turned down the suggestion. The tax amendment depends on the fall election. 

According to the Illinois Constitution, the original income tax is flat, with a 4.95% tax rate. The new one, which was proposed by the Democrats, was passed last year, requesting a higher tax rate on whose income rise. The House Republicans Leader, Jim Durkin called for removing the new tax plan, described it as a “cash grab.”  

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, there might be $7 billion short in the budget. The Illinois government estimated that with the progressive income tax rate, there would be about $1 billion increased taxes. J.B. Pritzker stated that the extra revenue would be necessary during the economic slowdown because of COVID-19.