Illinois House members are considering a proposal to change the state's flat income tax to a progressive one. The switch would mean people who earn more money would pay more in income taxes. Democratic Representative Christian Mitchell of Chicago is sponsoring the legislation and says he hopes Republicans will support the measure despite Governor Bruce Rauner's opposition.
"I know some Republicans are starting to get some pressure on them. My hope is that they will hold firm. We've got some who I know want to do the right thing. We get some bipartisan support, we can lower taxes for 99 percent of people and still raise some money for the services we need," said Mitchell
Rauner says a graduated income tax will encourage small businesses to leave the state for more favorable income tax rates elsewhere.
The governor doesn't have veto power over this though. If it gets through the legislature, making a graduated income tax final would require voters this fall to approve changing the state's constitution.