Speaking from his own experiences, Illinois House Rep. Charles Meier (R-Okawville) said the graduated income tax being proposed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker would punish the state's farmers.
"The graduated income tax is bad policy for Illinois and will have a significant impact on farmers in my area," Meier said during the House session on Monday. "Because I’m a farmer, I understand farms often run in cycles where farmers don’t make much money some years. Farmers can’t control that."
Meier said when there are good years, farmers invest in their land and equipment.
State Rep. Charles Meier (R-Okawville)
"Creating a graduated income tax will punish farmers when the good years come," he said. "It will take more of their money when they need it most to help business and decrease debt load. We need to quit creating new programs and use the current revenue to pay down debt. This will hurt farmers and small businesses and there is nothing good about this proposal."
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 single Republican voted no on the bill.
Many businesses and individuals have spoken out about their disapproval of a graduated income tax structure. Critics like Meier 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.
Alerts Sign-up