By Illinois Radio Network

SPRINGFIELD – Get ready to hear a lot more about what a progressive income tax could mean for Illinois.

The entire point of the progressive income tax is to get more money for state government, Andrew Nelms with Americans for Prosperity in Illinois said.

“The name of the game here is not reducing the tax burden on people,” Nelms said. “The name of the game here is increasing revenue. The name of the game is finding a way to take more money from people. And you certainly don’t do that with lower tax rates.”

Nelms said that he doubts that many people will pay less in taxes under a new progressive income tax in Illinois.

Nelms and AFP are launching an ad campaign designed to drive home the simple point that no one knows now who will be paying what if a progressive income tax is put in place.

“The fear is, which I don’t think is unfounded given the chronic fiscal irresponsibility of our elected officials and our legislature, that regular folks across the state are quickly going to find themselves paying rates that they were told were only going to be levied on the rich,” Nelms said.

There are at least two plans on file in Springfield. One from state Rep. Bob Martwick, D-Chicago, would have people making $17,300 a year pay more. Another plan from state Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, would raise income taxes on anyone making more than $750,000 a year, whether that is a person or a small business.

Nelms said once Illinois lawmakers get the power to add tax brackets, and raise rates, the sky is the limit.

“If we scrap our flat state income tax and implement a progressive tax, that would give the legislature carte blanche,” Nelms said.

Democrat J.B. Pritzker, who is running for governor against Republican incumbent Bruce Rauner, is making the progressive tax the centerpiece of his campaign. Pritzker has given few specifics – such as rates or income levels – about his plan.

Rauner opposes a progressive income tax.

The AFP ads will debut on social media.