Dupage Policy Journal

House Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) said because the rates in the graduated income tax proposal aren't fixed, everyone will eventually pay more taxes.

"Illinois managed without an income tax for 150 years," Mazzochi said on the House floor Monday. "The notion that we need this is a lie. This tax system is going to be a tax system where the politically privileged win and ordinary will lose. It’s a lie that the unfixed rates are going to provide 97 percent of citizens with a tax cut."

Mazzochi said everyone will pay more than they did just five years ago.

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.