Chicago Tribune: J.B. Pritzker’s Tax Hike Would “Punish” Already High Taxed Illinoisans

Illinois Democrat gubernatorial candidate and heir to the Hyatt hotel fortune J.B. Pritzker has staked his entire campaign on a series of massive tax hikes, but has refused to provide any specific details. Now, the Chicago Tribune is warning that Pritzker’s plan to raise taxes could “punish” already high taxed Illinoisans and force even more families out of the state.

The Chicago Tribune delved into the finances of one economically mobile Illinois resident contemplating leaving the state for lower taxes.

“Here’s a number he also knows: 4.95 percent, the state’s personal income tax rate. Brady is worried the rate will climb for his household if Democratic gubernatorial nominee J.B. Pritzker is elected in November. Pritzker is campaigning on instituting a graduated state income tax. It would punish many Illinoisans already enduring the 32 percent hike in the income tax rate that lawmakers approved in July.”

Pritzker’s tax hike plan would hit people of all income levels. He first wants to hike Illinois’ flat tax, and then raise taxes on the “millionaires and billionaires.” But analysts say Pritzker’s massive spending plans would require tax hikes on middle class Illinoisans too, making it more likely that they will flee Illinois as well.

Illinois families have a clear choice this election. Governor Bruce Rauner has pledged to roll back the Mike Madigan 32% tax hike, while J.B. Pritzker will hike taxes and won’t say by exactly how much.