Glen Evans recently took to social media to blast the proposed progressive tax bill known as Fiscally Responsible Illinois Entering New Days and Leaving Yesterday as being anything but friendly to the bottom line of middle-class families across the state.
“Though often sold to Illinoisans as a tax on the rich, a proposal to institute a graduated, or progressive, income tax would constitute a tax hike on Illinoisans making as little as $17,300,” Evans, a Republican candidate for the 72nd District, posted on Facebook. “And the typical family in Rock Island County would see a tax hike of more than $500.”
According to Illinois Policy Institute, the proposal -- part of HB 3522, also known as the FRIENDLY Act -- would raise $3.6 billion, costing the typical Illinois family $665 in new income taxes and requiring a change to the state’s constitution mandating a flat tax.
Glen Evans
“A progressive income tax proposal introduced by state Rep. Robert Martwick, D-Chicago, would constitute a tax hike for a vast majority of Illinois taxpayers, starting with individuals earning as little as $17,300,” the institute wrote on its website.
The institute adds doing more damage to the state’s already fragile economy will only heighten the problem of out-migration.
It also notes similar hikes in 2011 and 2017 had that same overall effect.
Evans, who is challenging Rep. Michael Halpin (D-Rock Island) in the November election, has made the economic growth viability of the district a staple of his campaign.
“I am concerned about jobs leaving our community,” he previously posted on Facebook. “I am concerned that many area residents and especially young people are not able to find jobs to support their families. We need more jobs in the 72nd District.”
As for the issue of out-migration, Evans writes, “with one of the highest tax burdens in the country and politicians refusing to make necessary economic reforms, it is tough to blame residents (for) looking for greener pastures. If the growing exodus of Illinoisans actually troubles Springfield, they should work on easing the state’s high tax burden … and enact pro-growth reforms that will convince people to come to and stay in Illinois – not leave.”
An ordained minister, Evans is hoping his history of working to promote social causes will resonate with voters in November’s general election.
Martwick’s proposed tax changes after the state instituted a 32 percent permanent income tax hike as part of the budget passed in 2017, which critics have said was enacted with no reform policies. In ultimately passing the legislation into law, which came after the state went more than two years without a balanced budget in place, the General Assembly overrode Gov. Bruce Rauner’s veto of the bill.
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