House Rep. Chris Miller (R-Oakland) said the Democrats' "fair tax" is far from being fair.
"This is lipstick on a pig," Miller said on the House floor Monday regarding the graduated income tax proposal. "We are calling this a fair tax and there couldn’t be anything more unfair. Anytime the Democrats call something fair that means everyone is about to get (taxed)."
Miller said he is against the amendment because it penalizes achievement.
"This is vultures on a high line ready to take more money from your pocket," Miller said. "This puts it into the hands of irresponsible bureaucrats."
Miller said the graduated income tax will destroy Illinois' economy.
Senate Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 1 passed the House on Monday with 73 yes votes and 44 no votes. It will now be on the November 2020 ballot for Illinois voters to decide. Every single Republican voted no on the bill.
Many businesses and individuals have spoken out about their disapproval of a graduated income tax structure. Critics of the structure suggest because rates aren't nailed down in the amendment that it will eventually be a tax on the middle class.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker has been adamant about his preference for a "fair tax" since running for governor last year.
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