Franks Not on Board With Progressive Tax Increase

Rep. Jack Franks, D-Marengo, is not among the majority of democrats in the General Assembly currently pushing for a progressive income tax amendment, according to an interview with Franks on Reboot Illinois. 

Two amendments—one filed in the House and the other Senate—call for the abolition of the state's flat income tax rate and the addition of a graduated income tax, which is similar to the federal income tax structure currently in place, according to the State Journal-Register. 

The progressive tax means the tax rate would go up for those with a higher income, according to the Huffington Post. 

While thirteen Senate democrats have sponsored SJRCA40 and 22 House democrats have sponsored HJRCA33, according to a June 29 Journal-Register article, Franks told Reboot Illinois that he has "never supported any tax increases in Illinois" and thinks a "spending problem" is to blame for the state's financial woes.

"I don’t think we should be asking taxpayers for more money when we don’t spend what they give us wisely," Franks told Reboot Illinois. 

Senate Republicans are opposed to the income tax changes, according to the Journal-Register.

Reboot Illinois has posted a full interview with Franks regarding his thoughts on taxes, pension reform and the state's spending issues.