The Illinois Senate is moving the state closer to a major overhaul of its tax system.
Senate Democrats approved a that would change Illinois鈥� flat income tax to one that鈥檚 graduated 鈥� where the wealthy pay more.
Republicans argue the current system protects the middle class. But Democrats 鈥� like state Sen. Don Harmon, from Oak Park 鈥� say that鈥檚 not true.
鈥淚f you鈥檙e saying the flat tax is a good idea, you are protecting the uber-rich, not the middle class,鈥� Harmon said. 鈥淏ecause we can鈥檛 raise taxes on anyone without raising taxes on everyone, and that鈥檚 a protection for the richest among us.鈥�
The would provide a slight tax cut for households earning less than $100,000 dollars a year, while those making more than $250,000 would see their taxes rise by about three percentage points.
The constitutional amendment passed on a party-line of 40-19.
State Sen. Dale Righter, a Republican from Mattoon, says a graduated income tax will not solve Illinois鈥� problems.
鈥淭here are a handful who believe that the answer to government鈥檚 problems is simply to raise taxes,鈥� Righter said. 鈥淭his will make it easier for those who believe that to reach into your constituents鈥� pockets and get more money.鈥�
Democrats also passed legislation that would increase the property tax credit on state income taxes by a percentage point 鈥� from 5 to 6 percent. And, more narrowly, they approved a repeal of the Illinois estate tax, which imposes a 40 percent tax on the people who die with assets worth at least $4 million.
All the plans still have to get through the Illinois House. Then Illinois voters have the final say in the 2020 fall election.
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