For Immediate Release – State Senator Dale Righter’s Office
Democrats sidestep public notice rules, push forward on efforts to increase taxes
Mattoon, IL—On April 9, Democrat lawmakers in the Senate voted to waive the public notice requirements for the proposed controversial progressive income tax overhaul of Illinois’ current flat income tax structure.
Senate Rules require a six-day waiting period, establishing a period of time between when a measure is assigned to a committee and when that very measure is heard before committee. However, as in the case of efforts to repeal the flat tax mandate, the posting requirement can be waived by a majority vote in the Senate.
State Senator Dale Righter, who spoke out against the ploy during floor debate, issued the following statement on the vote:
“In their rush to change the Constitution and take more from the pockets of Illinois taxpayers, the Democratic majority is undermining the very process put in place to allow for public input and involvement. Their actions today are about changing the rules to fit their tax-and-spend agenda, regardless of the consequences,” said Righter. “The actions from the Pritzker Administration and my Democrat colleagues demonstrate a major disconnect between the agenda of the majority in the General Assembly and the needs and best interests of Illinois residents. Fundamentally changing the tax structure outlined in the Illinois Constitution and implementing a $3.4 billion tax increase on Illinois’ taxpayers requires public scrutiny and transparency, not setting aside rules and denying the public an opportunity to comment in a meaningful way.”
After receiving the necessary votes to waive public notice requirements, the Constitutional Amendment for a progressive income tax structure is expected to be heard in Senate Executive Committee on April 10.
