Illinois Rep. Nathan Reitz (D-Steeleville) voted for a measure to update the state’s contentious Fair Tax law via a 202 ballot measure on May 27, despite polling showing residents of the district weren't in favor of the bill. Reitz’s vote on the Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 1 allowed the bill to pass at a 77-44 vote.
According to research firm Fabrizio, Lee & Associates, 36% of residents of the 116th representative district support putting ‘a progressive income tax constitutional amendment,’ on the 2020 ballot; the research firm said the margin of error on the survey, at the 95% confidence interval for 300 votes, is 5.66%.
Under the terms of SJRCA1, voters will have an opportunity to decide on the graduated tax plan through their 2020 ballots. If passed, the amendment will enable the state to tax income at a graduated basis, thus removing the current flat tax. The amendment includes a provision stating that the highest income tax rate imposed on corporations and individuals cannot exceed a ratio of 8 to 5.
The proposed amendment will require at least 60% support from voters in November 2020.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has been a supporter of Fair Tax reform since he ran for governor last year.
The amendment and referendum were voted against by all members of the state’s Republican Caucus in the House of Representatives in May.
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