Educators from Illinois schools and universities are pushing for a graduated income tax to generate revenue for public education and human services. Teachers say fully funding schools, pensions and health care coverage can't happen without more revenue.
More than 1,000 demonstrators representing various unions, including the Chicago's Teacher's Union, marched from the Capitol building to the executive mansion in support of a proposal that would replace the state's flat income tax with a plan to make the wealthiest residents pay a higher rate.
They also highlighted the impact of the budget impasse on higher education and objected to a school funding plan offered by Gov. Bruce Rauner that disproportionately impacts poor districts.
Rally organizer Amisha Patel of the Chicago-based Grassroots Collaborative says revenue generated from a graduated income tax could support higher education and social services operating without state funds since July 1.
A measure by Democratic state Rep. Lou Lang of Skokie calls for a graduated income tax system that could generate $1.9 billion.
