Rep. Daniel Swanson (R-Woodhull) told the House floor on Monday that his constituents are not in favor of what he believes will be one result of Gov. J.B. Pritzker's graduated income tax proposal.
"I hear a lot, 'I did not give you a blank check,'" Swanson said. "I'm very solid in my belief that this is a blank check. Enough is enough."
Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 1 passed the House on Monday with 73 Yes votes and 44 No votes. It will now be on the November 2020 ballot for Illinois voters to decide.
Every House Republican voted no on the bill and many businesses and individuals have spoken out about their disapproval of a graduated income tax structure. Critics like Swanson suggest that because rates are not nailed down in the amendment, it will eventually become a tax on the middle class.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has been adamant about his preference for a "fair tax" since running for governor last year.