East Central Reporter

State Rep. Chris Miller (R-Oakland) has a unique vantage point when it comes to assessing the damage he thinks Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s progressive tax proposal stands to inflict on the state.

“I’ve been a small business owner and I can tell you everything coming out of Springfield is counter-productive to being able to grow your business,” Miller told the East Central Reporter. “As a legislator, one of the most frustrating things I’ve had to deal with is the way we’ve turned ourselves into a very hostile business climate. I’ve always said if Democrats don’t think we’re paying enough taxes, they can always personally write a check to the treasury.”

A new report by the Tax Foundation details how the state’s competitive position would dramatically fall if the progressive tax proposal Gov. J.B. Pritzker has been pushing since his days as a candidate becomes law. If the measure passes, researchers report Illinois’ overall ranking would tumble all the way down to 47th in the U.S. for business competitiveness, ahead of only New Jersey and California.

“The governor is one of the few billionaires in Illinois that he’s talked about will be hit by this tax,” Miller added. “The thing is he’s already proven he doesn’t want to pay more taxes with the toilet caper he’s still being investigated for. They can tax people that make over $250,000 at 100% and it still wouldn’t be enough to curb their appetite for spending. I’ve always said we don’t have a revenue problem, but a spending problem.”

Miller said it amazes him that Democrat lawmakers still don’t consider tightening their belts as an option.

“Everyone in Springfield has an advocate with the exception of the taxpayer,” he said. “It’s time that changes and we start doing what the voters of this state will have us do when it comes to taxes."