To the Editor:
Most Illinois residents received a pamphlet from the Illinois Secretary of State in the mail outlining the proposed amendment to the Illinois constitution on income taxation. You’d like to think it was non-partisan with its explanation and arguments but please consider the source. In reality it’s just another paid political announcement.
The amendment would open the gates to already passed legislation that would raise income tax on the rich. It would also give legislators carte blanche to make other income tax changes in the future. Everybody OK with that?
Our governor thinks the amendment is such a great idea that he’s reportedly generously donated $56 million of his own money to fund campaign ads. Lets’ see if I have this right … a billionaire provides a large amount of his own money to support an income tax proposal that will in turn cause him to pay more money in income taxes? Many Illinoisans wouldn’t trust Pritzker as far as they could throw the portly gentleman and are wondering just what gives (or takes)?
As for the pamphlet, authors have evidently taken lessons in half-truth and innuendo from the mainstream media, opining that it’s “unfair” that billionaires/millionaires should pay at the same tax rate as everyone else (the proposal actually draws the line at taxpayers making more than $250K per year), and this action is “simply” upgrading Illinois’ old tax system. They allege that the amendment will lead to a “fair system” replacing the current “unfair system.” The governor opined that it would, “put right what has been wrong.”
Just for the record, eight other states currently have the “flat tax” that Illinois legislators want to be rid of. Our neighbor to the east, Kentucky just converted to a flat tax in 2018. Meanwhile, seven states currently have no income tax. Now you’re talking! How do they do that?
Voters must beware of strangers bearing gifts as it might well turn out to be a Trojan horse. Please follow the advice on the yard sign near you, “Vote NO on the progressive tax.”
Bill Malec, O’Fallon