Quincy Reporter

Quincy conservative activist Mecki Kosin can already see flashing red lights with the progressive tax plan Gov. J.B. Pritzker is intent on bringing to Springfield.

“First, they say this is a tax that will only hit the rich. Now they’re threatening everyone if you don’t vote for it we’re going to hurt the poor,” Kosin told the Quincy Reporter. “They’re clearly talking out of both sides of their mouth and everybody can see it.”

Democrat Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton recently warned voters if Pritzker’s proposal fails to get the support it needs for passage on Nov.3, taxpayers could soon face a 20% state income tax hike to cover any looming budget shortfall. Such a steep rise would send rates spiraling to an all-time personal high state income tax rate for residents of 5.94%.

Since then, the governor has essentially co-signed Stratton’s threat, further warning taxpayers it’s either the progressive tax or a 15% cut in government services, which could mean cuts in funding for education and public safety and a state property tax increase.

“People have had enough of all the spending and taxing and I don’t think they like being threatened,” Kosin added. “They’re telling the governor this is not what they want and still he's trying to force it on them.”

In the end, Kosin argues while the solution may seem hard to some, it strikes her as being quite simple.

“We’re going to have to cut some spending because most people don’t want more taxes,” she said. “With the spending cuts, we desperately need pension reform. Right now, pensions are crippling the whole state. I’ve said from the very beginning what we need to change the system to a 401(k) plan like everyone else has to use.”