Tax increase may happen for some or for all

Stratton says there will be a tax hike either way. (PHOTO: Twitter)

 

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – People who oppose the graduated tax question on the November ballot say it’ll soon enough mean higher taxes for many, many Illinoisans.

In a way, they’re right.

Republicans say the supermajority Democrats can’t be trusted in their claim that only the top three percent of earners will pay more. But Lt Gov Juliana Stratton says either way, there will be a tax increase.

“97 percent of Illinoisans will see no increase in their income taxes,” Stratton said. And if the graduated tax question – a constitutional amendment – fails, Stratton outlined what will happen next. “To adequately address the budget crisis under our current tax system, lawmakers will be forced to consider raising income taxes at least twenty percent regardless of their level of income.:

Stratton participated in what was billed as a “rally” on Zoom.

After inviting our questions, organizers ended the event without them taking any.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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