Dupage Policy Journal

Sen. John Curran (R-Lemont) has introduced a resolution to oppose any efforts to establish a progressive tax system in Illinois.

“We are here today to talk about our firm resolution to reject the latest attempts at changing to a progressive income tax,” Curran said on Jan. 25. “The proposal by Sen. (Robert) Martwick (D-Chicago), we stand firmly in opposition to."

Curran said previous attempts to establish a progressive tax had failed.

"The results of the 2020 ballot initiative were unmistakably clear. The people have spoken. They don't want to change our constitution to a progressive income tax." Curran said. "It failed because Illinois voters are sick and tired of writing blank checks (to) their state government, and the government keeps coming back for more and more. Despite the proponents' plan the voters see that this will raise taxes on everyone -- the middle class -- and could open up the door to taxing retirement income. Illinois has the highest tax burden in the nation and implements the highest corporate income tax rate as well. It's time to move in a new direction that does not include over-taxing the people we are supposed to be representing."

Curran filed the resolution in opposition to a progressive income tax on Jan. 25. All Senate Republicans signed on as co-sponsors.

The resolution opposes a progressive income tax in Illinois and opposes any announcement that the Illinois General Assembly wants the reconsideration of any constitutional amendment intended to change the flat-rate income tax language in the state's constitution.

Curran was first elected to the Illinois Senate in 2017. His legislative experience includes serving on the Appropriations II Committee, and Assignments Committee. Curran resides in Downers Grove.