PEORIA, Ill. — Illinois voters will cast their ballots on a graduated income tax initiative in November.
State Rep. Ryan Spain, of Peoria, said with Illinois being in such financial turmoil, approving the tax plan is the wrong thing to do.
“This will be a big issue heading into the election in November. I voted no when this was before us in Springfield, and I think this is just an awful idea,” Spain said.
Spain told WMBD’s Greg and Dan Show, approving a graduated tax plan would give Mike Madigan and the Illinois General Assembly a “blank check” to manipulate the state’s tax rate and tax brackets for years to come.
“What we’ve seen in other states that have done this, is that’s there’s not enough wealth in a state to only tax the wealthy. The wealthy people will leave and the middle-class taxpayers will be hit the hardest,” Spain said.
The graduated income tax plan is an amendment to Illinois’ constitution.
“I believe if we make this mistake, our state will be in a further tailspin for years to come,” Spain said.
The initiative needs 60% voter approval to pass.
