Darren Bailey thinks Illinois voters would be wise to read the fine print on the progressive tax plan proposed by Democrats.
“It’s billed as taxing higher income earners, but really it would mean a tax increase on everyone across the board,” Bailey told SE Illinois News. “It’s nothing like what’s being described to taxpayers.
Bailey seems convinced that Democrats are also well aware of that. So much so that he agrees with other Republicans including House Minority leader Jim Durkin of Western Springs who have said Democrats' stated interest in the plan could be just a ploy to score political points in an election year.
darren Bailey
“I think the idea of a progressive tax is just a form of socialism, and I know Democrats are becoming more about that,” said Bailey, running against Democrat Cynthia Given of Olney in the 109th House District. “But even they have to know this would be bad for Illinois and will only push more of our residents out of the state.”
Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker has been pushing the idea, and more recently House Speaker Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) introduced a resolution calling for “support of a fair and progressive income tax that must reduce taxes on low- and middle-income families while raising taxes on the wealthiest Illinoisans.”
Bailey said he much more prefers the current flat tax system and the idea of everyone paying a more equitable share.
“We’ve got to figure out ways to educate ourselves and the voters on the issues,” he said. “We’ve got to take back control of our government, making spending cuts and just focusing on the bare necessities we need to be operational. You can’t just continue to throw more money at problems.”
The 109th House District includes parts or all of Jasper, Effingham, Clay, Richland, Lawrence, Wabash, Wayne, Edwards and White counties.
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