House Rep. Margo McDermed (R-Mokena) said lawmakers are doubling down on failed policies and will tax the middle class with the graduated income tax structure during Monday's session.
"I struggle with how we live in some alternate universe like the laws of economics don’t apply to us," McDermed said. "We’re doubling down on failed policies, taxing job creators, taxing middle-class families and ignoring any attempt to address spending and somehow we think we’re going to have a different outcome."
McDermed said Illinois' pensions were already unsustainable.
"Why are we doing this? We’ll be back in the pockets of taxpayers very quickly," McDermed said. "Democrats feel these rates aren’t high enough. If you think this won’t hit you, you’re dumb."
McDermed said to get ready because the government was going to continue with its "horrible, heartbreaking downward spiral" and tax families and businesses out of the state.
Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 1 passed the House on Monday with 73 yes votes and 44 no votes. It will now be on the November 2020 ballot for Illinois voters to decide. Every single Republican voted no on the bill.
Many businesses and individuals have spoken out about their disapproval of a graduated income tax structure. Critics of the structure suggest because rates aren't nailed down in the amendment that it will eventually be a tax on the middle class.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has been adamant about his preference for a "fair tax" since running for governor last year.
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