Sangamon Sun

State Sen. Steve McClure (R-Springfield) argues the latest wrinkle in Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s dogged pursuit of a progressive tax system says everything about how the proposed legislation is being received by voters with Election Day just around the corner.

“I think it’s obvious that the polling they’re doing must show the tax isn’t very popular,” McClure told the Sangamon Sun. “This is not the kind of response you make when you’re winning the argument; it’s the kind of thing you say to intimidate people.”

With voters set to go to the polls in roughly a month, Democrat Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton recently warned voters if Pritzker’s proposal fails to get the support it needs for passage on Nov.3, taxpayers could soon face a 20% state income tax hike to cover any looming budget shortfall. Such a steep rise would send rates spiraling to an all-time personal high state income tax rate for residents of 5.94%.

Since then, the governor has essentially co-signed Stratton’s threat, further warning taxpayers it’s either the progressive tax or a 15% cut in government services, which could mean cuts in funding for education and public safety and a state property tax increase.

“People don’t want to give the government more power to creatively tax them and that’s all this progressive tax is,” McClure added. “This mess we see has been created by government and giving them more of taxpayer’s money isn’t going to solve it. We need policy that entices people to stay here and attracts other people. More tax increases won’t help do that.”

In the event either scenario plays out, McClure said it wouldn’t be in the best interest of the masses.

“Our problem is we have an out-of-control government that shows little regard for the people,” he said. “People keep moving out of state and our tax base keeps shrinking and any new taxes will only make matters worse.”