Dupage Policy Journal

Veteran state Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst) sees recent talk of a 20% talk hike in the event Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s progressive tax plan fails to pass as just part of the plan.

“Democrats want to raise taxes on everyone by that much anyway, and the graduate tax was just a plan to make sure they’re able to do that at least in stages,” Mazzochi told the DuPage Policy Journal. “The truth is they have no plans to cut spending or reform pensions, just more spending and taxing.”

With the tax Pritzker has been pushing since his days on the campaign trial set to appear on the Nov. 3 ballot in the form of a referendum vote, 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.

“They’re trying to force people to go along with what they want with these threats,” Mazzochi added. “It’s that type of governing that’s led to Illinois having one of the highest tax burdens in the nation and turned the state into a fiscal basket case.”

Mazzochi argues none of it has to be that way.

“If we can jumpstart economic growth and get people back to working we won’t need the types of tax increases Democrats are threatening,” she said. “If we could get to pension reforms, putting our spending aside and not doing any increases in discretionary spending we could get our house in order.”

Mazzochi said nothing about the tax the governor still insists will only mean higher rates for the state’s most affluent seems to add up.

“It’s part of why the state is heading in the wrong direction, especially for small business owners,” she said. “Pritzker talks about the rich paying its full share when he’s taking advantage of a host of things not to have to as one of the state’s most wealthy.”