By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois House Republicans say what the governor calls a “fair tax” is anything but.

Leading a charge against what the GOP calls an “unfair tax,” State Rep. Avery Bourne (R-Raymond) says the state income tax should remain flat.

“Our current tax structure, our caucus believes, is one of Illinois’ last competitive advantages that we have, and it provides inherent taxpayer protections,” Bourne told a Capitol news conference, “and it doesn’t allow lawmakers to play with the rates, and we’ve seen in states that have graduated income tax structures, that there is an imposed tax burden on the middle class.”

Adding that the middle class is “where the money is,” Bourne says for the average household in her rural district, just south of Springfield, the tax increase could be $450 a year.

“Another significant part of what we tried to call attention to is the fact we don’t know the rates the governor is referring to in his proposed plan, which is very concerning and we want to make sure the voters are aware of it,” said State Rep. Dan Brady (R-Bloomington).

Another lawmaker, State Rep. Grant Wehrli (R-Naperville), says while Gov. Pritzker has invited Republicans to the table, there’s nothing to negotiate.

“I equate this to negotiating how I go out of business,” he said.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]