Rep. Mark Batinick (R-Plainfield) senses that the fear a growing number of Illinois residents are feeling is more than justified.
“I think everybody should be afraid of more taxes,” Batinick told the Will County Gazette. “This whole plan that’s being discussed will do nothing but drive more of the job creators out of Illinois.”
The plan Batinick was referring to is a proposal being pushed by Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker that would temporarily increase the state’s flat tax rate while lawmakers work toward a change to the state Constitution that would pave the way for a graduated income tax.
“The vast majority of people will be left paying more in taxes,” Batinick, running for re-election in the 97th District in November’s general election, said. “There’s got to be a more efficient way to run state government. The thing is it’s just not being considered or talked about by the other side.”
Pritzker, who is set to face off against Gov. Bruce Rauner in November, said his plan would also boost credits and deductions, though he shied away from detailing what he thinks the final, increased tax rate would look like.
During the Democratic primary season, Pritzker said that his graduated tax idea would make tax rates synonymous with income levels. Ultimately, the issue would be placed on the ballot for voters to consider, with the earliest timetable being in 2020.
Meanwhile, Batinick is already on record with his goal of being part of the state’s long-term solution when it comes to getting its finances in order and making the kinds of tough decisions needed to get it back on course.
“Too much now is just about winning ... an election instead of creating a winning atmosphere for the state,” he previously told Will County Gazette. “We have to remember what we’re put in office for.”
The 97th District includes all or parts of Oswego, Plainfield and Shorewood.
Alerts Sign-up