Illinois State Senate District 11 issued the following announcement on May 1.
State Senator Martin A. Sandoval (D-Chicago) voted Wednesday for a tax reform package that – if passed by voters would implement a fair tax system in Illinois and provide tax relief to 97 percent of the state’s taxpayers.
The fair tax package includes a constitutional amendment that would require Illinois’ wealthiest residents to pay their fair share while providing income tax relief to middle and working class taxpayers. The package also includes a measure that would provide property tax relief to homeowners.
“It’s absurd that families who are struggling to make ends meet are paying the same income tax rate as the wealthiest residents of our state,” Sandoval said. “It’s long past time to implement a fair and equitable tax system that will provide relief to middle and working class taxpayers who have been carrying an undue financial burden in this state.”
Illinois is one of only nine state in the nation that currently have a flat income tax. A fair tax system would help bring fiscal certainty to the state after several years of financial instability.
“It’s no secret that the budget impasse under the last administration left us in a significant financial hole,” Sandoval said. “This proposal is the best option available to continue returning stability to Illinois without cutting needed services or subjecting middle and working-class families to greater financial stress.”
Along with implementing a fair tax system, the package would also freeze property taxes for Illinois residents as long as the state fully funds public schools.
“Illinoisans shouldn’t have to choose between reasonable property taxes and a quality education for their children,” Sandoval said. “This is a serious issue we’ve been seeing for a long time and I’m proud to vote for any measure that will lessen the burden on homeowners.”
The package will now go before the House of Representatives.
Original source can be found here.
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