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State senate stops bid to change income tax
By Kenneth Lowe
kenneth.lowe@lee.net
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SPRINGFIELD — The state Senate struck down on Tuesday another bid to change Illinois’ income tax rate.

State Sen. Michael Frerichs, D-Gifford, sponsored the measure, which fell 17 votes short of passage after a debate on the floor that saw almost no support from Republicans or his fellow Democrats.

Frerichs’ proposed constitutional amendment is another failed attempt at giving voters a say in changing the state income tax. The House earlier this month rejected a proposed amendment that would have doubled the income tax rate on those who earn more than $250,000 a year.

The failed Senate amendment would have asked voters if they want to change the constitution to allow the possibility of a graduated income tax. The amendment did not seek to change the existing income tax rate, which is a flat 3 percent.

Frerichs deflected claims by Republicans that the amendment would open the door to taxing the wealthy at extremely high rates.

“There’s nothing stopping us from raising taxes tomorrow, except we are all accountable to voters back home,” Frerichs said.

State Sen. Dale Righter, R-Mattoon, said Illinoisans are distrustful of the current administration’s tax policies.

“(Illinoisans) feel like they are in a world where state government will turn your pockets inside out,” Righter said.

State Sen. David Luechtefeld, R-Okawville, said he is against the amendment because the intent of the administration is unclear.

“I need to know, do they intend to then follow it with an income tax increase?” Luechtefeld said. “We need to know what they intend to do, and we don’t know that.”

State Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, said a tax increase during the current economic climate is the wrong approach to solving the state’s budget woes.

“Every one of us agrees we need more revenue,” Brady said. “The way you’re going to do that is to bring in more jobs.”

In order for the constitution to be amended, three-fifths of the General Assembly must approve of the amendment. Sixty percent of voters must then vote in favor of the amendment in the next election.

The amendment can only appear on the next ballot if it is passed by the General Assembly at least six months before the election. This week is the deadline for any constitutional amendments to appear on the ballot in November.

The legislation is Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 92.

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