Springfield, Il (WSIL) -- Another group is standing in opposition of Gov. JB Pritzker's graduated income tax question on the November ballot. The Coalition to Stop the Proposed Tax Hike Amendment consists of small businesses, large employers, farmers and community advocates.
Members argue Pritzker's "Fair Tax" could hurt Illinois families and cause many businesses to leave the state. They also say the plan can't solve Illinois' "fiscal mismanagement."
Fighting for small businesses
"If it passes, it will increase taxes on my small business by nearly 50 percent," said Five Seasons Salon Owner Paola Hinton.
"As much as we don't want to, my fellow business owners and I would have no other choice but to leave the state at a record pace."
The new group calls the governor's constitutional amendment "nothing more than a trap" giving lawmakers more power to raise taxes. Quincy Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Latonya Brock hopes other workers will join the coalition.
"In the midst of a global pandemic, the last thing we need to do is hurt small businesses and large employers in our state even more," Brock stated.
Other members of the group include Republic Steel, Ralfie's BBQ, and Keats Manufacturing. While the Coalition published a press release, they denied a request for interview until a later date.
Pritzker's campaign responds
Vote Yes For Fairness argues the plan would lower or keep taxes at the same level for 97% of Illinoisans. “This is yet another group that’s working to protect a broken tax system that forces Illinois� essential workers like our grocery store clerks and nurses to pay the same tax rate as millionaires and billionaires. They’ve already shown they’re going to rely on outright lies in an attempt to mislead voters," stated VYFF Chairman Quentin Fulks.
He went on to explain only individuals and small businesses making over $250,000 a year will pay more. "We remain committed to passing the Fair Tax in November," Fulks added.
