If an Illinois progressive tax isn't the answer, what's the plan?

Last week, Springfield saw a burst of activity that included movement toward possibly changing the Illinois state constitution to allow a progressive income tax.

The sponsors of two pieces of legislation say their plans would bring tax relief to 99.3% of all taxpayers while bringing in $1.9 billion more than the current 3.75% personal income tax rate.

But with Republicans dead set against changing from a flat-rate income tax, Democrats will need to muster the three-fifths majorities in the House and Senate on their own to get the question before voters on Nov. 8. That won’t be a problem in the Senate, where Democrats hold 39 seats, three more than the required 36, and all Democratic members are likely to embrace the amendment.

It’s a different story in the House, where all 71 Democrats need to vote for the amendment to get it passed. Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, says he won’t support it.

That could be a victory for those who oppose a progressive income tax on principle, but it leaves the state with a very big problem.

We talk about what's happening in our weekly video here.

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