Lake County Gazette

Republican state House candidate Chris Bos is not a fan of the tactics being used by J.B. Pritzker and his administration in trying to get the governor's progressive tax proposal across the finish line.

“It’s like a little kid on the playground saying, ‘Play by my rules or I’m taking my ball and going home,’” Bos, now running against incumbent state Rep. Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville) in the 51st District, told the Lake County Gazette. “We live in the state with the top overall tax burden in the county and have some of the highest debt and this is the only solution they can come up with in terms of getting this situation under control.”

With voters finally set to have their say on the progressive tax proposal the governor has been pushing since his days as a candidate, 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.

“It’s clear people don’t want more taxes and that they don’t trust Springfield to do the honorable thing with any more money they can get their hands on,” Bos added. “It’s no secret we have to get our fiscal house in order.”

Bos argues anything short of that figures to have dire consequences.

“It’s going to mean more families and businesses leaving the state,” he said. “People are already fleeing and if either one of these scenarios were to play out, we’ll see even more of that.”