Members of a tax policy group based in Washington D.C., came to Springfield today to oppose two pieces of legislation that would change Illinois' income tax from a flat rate to rates based on how much a taxpayer earns.
The change would depend on lawmakers passing a proposed amendment to the state's constitution and voters approving it in fall. Joseph Henchman of the Tax Foundation says the state's current flat income tax gives it an edge when trying to recruit businesses.
"This proposal is not a tax reform change. This proposal just raises taxes and actually eliminates one of the best advantages that Illinois still has."
Democratic Representative Lou Lang of Skokie disputes that claim. He says the proposed rate system would give a tax cut to most taxpayers and put Illinois in line with neighboring states.