Costello stands with taxpayers, signs resolution opposing progressive income tax

State Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Smithton, has joined the fight against a progressive tax hike in Illinois.

Calls to protect Illinoisans from a progressive income tax are now coming from both sides of the aisle in Springfield.

State Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Smithton, signed on as chief co-sponsor to House Resolution 891 on April 27. The resolution was filed in March by state Rep. David McSweeney, R-Barrington Hills, and states that Illinois should not scrap its constitutionally protected flat income tax.

Given Illinois’ reckless spending habits, a graduated, or “progressive” income tax is the last thing the state needs. While sold as a tax on the rich, a progressive income tax could have disastrous consequences for middle-class Illinoisans while failing to address the state’s misplaced spending priorities.

Costello is the first Democrat this year to sign on to a resolution opposing the progressive income tax.

A progressive income tax proposal introduced by state Rep. Robert Martwick, D-Chicago, would constitute a tax hike for a vast majority of Illinois taxpayers, starting with individuals earning as little as $17,300. Those same taxpayers who would be asked to pay more under a progressive tax structure just endured the largest income tax hike in state history.

States with progressive income taxes have seen slower economic growth and faster growth in inequality. Further, most economists agree that more progressive tax structures reduce economic growth.

Knowing their families and the state’s economy can’t shoulder any more tax hikes, nearly 25,000 Illinoisans have signed a petition telling lawmakers to stand in opposition to a progressive tax income tax via illinoispolicy.org.

State lawmakers would be wise to follow Costello’s lead and heed those calls to action.