Dupage Policy Journal

Illinois State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro has voiced concerns over a new bill proposing a progressive income tax, which she claims would empower state politicians to increase taxes on residents. Sanalitro expressed her views on the matter through a Facebook post dated February 18.

"Here we go again," said Sanalitro, according to Facebook. "Lawmakers are, again, trying to change Illinois' constitution to enact a progressive income tax. This would give Illinois politicians more power to hike taxes on hardworking Illinoisans."

The post referenced an article from Illinois Policy discussing the proposed shift from the state's current flat income tax rate to a system with multiple rates. According to Illinois Policy, in 2020, voters rejected a constitutional amendment for a progressive tax, with 55% opposing Governor J.B. Pritzker’s "Fair Tax." The existing tax rate is 4.95%, and previous increases in 2011 and 2017 were met with public resistance. Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 4 (SJRCA 4), introduced by Senator Robert Martwick on February 5, aims to amend this structure.

Screenshot of State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro's Feb. 18 Facebook post | State Representative Jennifer Sanalitro's Facebook page

According to legislative records, SJRCA 4 has been filed and referred to the assignments committee. If enacted, it would amend the Revenue article of the Illinois Constitution by removing the requirement for a non-graduated income tax rate, allowing the General Assembly to set rates based on income levels. Additionally, corporate tax rates would not exceed individual rates by more than an 8-to-5 ratio.

In January 2023, WTTW reported that Martwick was preparing another legislative effort aligned with the Fair Tax proposal previously rejected by voters. Martwick said that Illinois faces significant financial challenges due to pension debt and obligations for public education funding, coupled with revenue projections that do not match rising debt levels. He believes that the middle class is overtaxed and advocates for slight adjustments to the flat tax structure so that higher earners contribute more.

Sanalitro has lived in Illinois for most of her adult life and worked as a District Sales Training Manager before joining the General Assembly. She currently holds an executive sales position and actively participates in community service by volunteering at local schools and supporting Brittany’s Trees, which benefits children with hereditary heart rhythm disorders through the SADS Foundation.