By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – If the constitutional amendment for a graduated tax passes, Republicans say a big tax hike is coming.

If the constitutional amendment for a graduated tax fails, Democrats say a big tax hike is coming.

A day after Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton’s comment that — barring the switch from a flat to a graduated Illinois income tax – lawmakers will be forced to consider an increase of no less than 20 percent for everybody, House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) had a response.

“That ‘20 percent comment’ is just a starting point, and just the beginning, if you believe her,” Durkin said, characterizing Stratton’s statement as a threat.

Republicans say Stratton’s remark is evidence that, just weeks before the proposed constitutional amendment gets a vote, the supporters are afraid they’ll lose.

“They’ve come up with no solutions. They only want to attack anybody else’s solutions,” Gov. JB Pritzker responded, moments after Durkin’s event. “Fine. Tell us what you’re going to cut. Tell us what you’re going to cut. Because they have not proposed anything.”

Pritzker said it’s the same as the Republicans offered under Pritzker’s predecessor, Republican Bruce Rauner.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].