A study -- from a group that supports a higher income tax rate -- has found that Illinois' tax rate decrease will hurt lower-income families.
The personal income tax dropped from 5 percent to 3 point 75 percent at the beginning of the year. But the Center for Tax and Budget Accountability says the relief that brings to Illinois residents' pocketbooks, mostly benefits the wealthiest 12 percent.
The Center's director, Ralph Martire, says for the state to make up the lost revenue, it will have to cut core services. Martire says that will also hurt low and middle income families.
"So when the state is starving for resources and it has to cut, and the claim is made these cuts will be across the board, well that is your board. Cutting those four core services will certainly harm communities state wide."
Martire says Illinois has one of the most unfair taxing systems. In lieu of a constitutional amendment that would allow for a graduated income tax, he says the state should give breaks to the low and middle class.