7 Facts You Need to Know About Illinois' New Progressive Income Tax Effort

On April 14, Rep. Christian Mitchell, D-Chicago, introduced a constitutional amendment proposal that would allow Illinois to impose a progressive income tax in which taxpayers’ tax rates are assigned according to their annual income.

The Illinois Constitution, ratified in 1970, requires that any state income tax be applied at the same rate to all taxpayers.

A day later, Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, introduced a bill that outlined tax brackets ranging from 3.5 percent to 9.75 percent depending on the income and filing status of an individual taxpayer.

Proponents of a progressive tax system refer to it as a “fair tax” because it taxes people based on their ability to pay. Opponents say it penalizes success and will spur an exodus of high income-earners.

Ultimately, the question of whether to allow a progressive tax system will be answered voters, who would have to approve the amendment on the Nov. 8 ballot. But a lot has to happen before that. You can expect to see a lot action on this over the next 18 days.

Here’s a quick guide on the politics, economics and logistics surrounding this effort.

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