Schimpf calls for amendment to protect middle class taxpayers

SPRINGFIELD - State Senator Paul Schimpf (R-Waterloo) is co-sponsoring a state constitutional amendment to make it harder for the legislature to raise taxes on middle income families, or implement new taxes.

"We all know Illinois has a spending problem, which continues to lead to higher and higher taxes," said Schimpf. "This amendment would make sure that there is truly wide bipartisan support before your taxes go up again."

Currently, only a simple majority vote is required to raise state income taxes. SJRCA12 raises the vote threshold to a 2/3 supermajority vote to raise taxes, or implement new ones. Currently 15 states require higher thresholds to raise taxes.

Governor JB Pritzker has proposed a number of new or increasing taxes, and is also pushing to switch the state's flat tax structure to a progressive system that raises tax rates as families' income rises.

There has been widespread concern that a progressive tax structure would make it easier to raise taxes in the future.

"If we are going to discuss such a fundamental change to our tax structure as a progressive tax, then we have to make sure that we put in place a common-sense protection for our middle class families," said Schimpf.

If SJRCA12 passes the General Assembly, it would be placed on the ballot for the 2020 general election.