Metro East Sun

Doug Jameson fails to see the logic behind a proposal for changing Illinois’ income tax system.

“It’s like if you have a patient with a disease and the pain that would be inflicted by the cure is more than what the disease causes,” Jameson told the Metro East Sun. “In those times, you just shouldn’t do it, and I believe this is one of those times.”

Jameson’s statements were fueled by Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker recently going on record with his admission that he favors temporarily increasing the state’s flat income tax rate while lawmakers work toward a change to the state constitution that would pave the way for a graduated income tax.

“We already have the highest overall tax burden in the nation,” Jameson said. “Out-migration is still growing and people are telling you the main reason they’re thinking of leaving are taxes. How much more of this do you need to see to know that all this taxing is not working.”

Pritzker, who is set to face off against Gov. Bruce Rauner in November’s general election, said his plan would also boost credits and deductions, though he shied away from detailing what he thinks the final, increased tax rate would look like.

During Democratic primary season, Pritzker said that his graduated tax idea would make tax rates synonymous with income levels. Ultimately, the issue would be placed on the ballot for voters to consider, with the earliest timetable being in 2020.

“What we need to be looking for are ways to grow our tax base, not the rate,” Jameson, the Belleville Republican challenging Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea) in the 113th District in November, said. “What we’re proposing right now is moving past fiscal insanity and into the land of moral outrageousness. We should be financing our debt, lowering our tax rate, and leveling the playing field for what it costs to live in and do business in Illinois compared to adjacent states.”

Jameson said it was the thought of the state desperately needing to right itself and make itself more attractive that spurred his run for Springfield.

“The final catalyst was watching so many people leave the state because they could no longer afford to live here,” he said. “We've got to become more attractive. We need a combination of reforms and reduced spending.”