Metro East Sun

Republican state Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) is warning Illinois residents to beware as they prepare to go to the polls.

“I strongly urge you to vote "No" on the progressive income tax,” Plummer said. “They call it the fair tax and that’s some fancy marketing. The state is being sued right now because the language is so misleading.”

Plummer argues that’s only one of the many things he finds fault with when it comes to the plan Gov. J.B. Pritzker has been pushing since his days as a candidate. In Plummer’s mind, the tax the governor continues to sell as only meaning higher rates for the state’s richest residents has little chance of doing what its supporters claim it will.

“The progressive tax will be a tax increase on everyone and does not lower our sky-high property taxes or other taxes,” Plummer said, adding that the plan opens the door to other taxes and over time will translate into a bailout for spend-happy lawmakers in Springfield.

Plummer argues it simply adds up to too much for a state that already has the highest tax burden in the country, the highest average sales tax and the second highest property taxes. In addition, Illinois is also home to the highest gas taxes in the Midwest, the highest wireless tax in the country, and has imposed a flood of tax and fee increases over the last several years.

Plummer argues for anything to change the movement has to start with voters.

“Illinoisans must understand that no amount of money will ever be enough for Springfield politicians,” he said.  “By voting no you are starting to force them to reform their ways.”

The tax is set to appear on the ballot in the form of a constitutional amendment where approval from 60% of those who vote on the issue or a majority of those who vote in the election overall is needed for passage.