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Looks like we're poised to call a vote on the Fair Tax amendment around 1pm today. Will post updates in this thread.
This is maybe the most important vote I'll take in my entire career. Let me explain.
This is maybe the most important vote I'll take in my entire career. Let me explain.
In their infinite wisdom, the drafters of the 1970 Illinois Constitution put in a provision mandating one flat tax rate on all income.
That's resulted in a broken system where poor people pay way more in taxes than the 1%. (Sales, excise, and other taxes being very regressive.)
That's resulted in a broken system where poor people pay way more in taxes than the 1%. (Sales, excise, and other taxes being very regressive.)
It's also meant that we have a revenue crisis in the state. Because taxing one person means taxing everyone, politicians are reluctant to raise revenues. So spending on basic obligations — schools, healthcare, etc. — have outpaced tax receipts.
We want tax brackets. Plain and simple. Lower taxes for almost everyone, higher taxes for the super-rich. And billions of dollars to invest in basic services and finally provide long-term stability for our state's finances.
That requires amending the Constitution. First, we need supermajority votes in both chambers. The Senate already passed the amendment. Now it's in the House.
71 votes required. There are 74 Democrats. We can get this done, today.
71 votes required. There are 74 Democrats. We can get this done, today.
After that, it goes to a referendum for you all to decide. In Nov '20, we'll need either 60% of people who vote on the question to vote "yes," or 50% of everyone who votes in the election to vote "yes" on the question.
(Little complicated, explainer: )
(Little complicated, explainer: )
Here we go. Martwick presenting.
Republicans getting up and griping. "Democrats have an insatiable appetite for spending." Yeah, it's a disgusting habit of wanting to spend money, on schools and jobs and healthcare for sick people. Or like, um, the things that government... does.
Now griping about how it's unfair to taxpayers. First of all, almost every taxpayer will pay less under this plan.
But also: it's as the people relying on Medicaid, public schools, social services somehow *aren't* taxpayers.
Wonder what that rhetoric is about?
But also: it's as the people relying on Medicaid, public schools, social services somehow *aren't* taxpayers.
Wonder what that rhetoric is about?
OK after a parade of unhappy Republicans, the first Democrat is being recognized, @repymkalish. Asking about putting the question on the ballot. "Is there any reason that anyone should oppose the will of the people?"
Gahhh back to the Repubs again. They're talking enough silliness that I have put my light on to speak. Can't let all this nonsense go by without saying something.
Here's the game plan:
Here's the game plan:
Heading to the other side of the aisle with a co-sponsor form!
Our time now. @Delia4StateRep: "Equality is not equity." Flat tax might be equal but it's not equitable.
"If you make $250,000 or more, I understand why you might be concerned." Tell 'em Delia!!
"If you make $250,000 or more, I understand why you might be concerned." Tell 'em Delia!!
Sorry the updates are slow, but *every single Republican* is speaking on this, and they're all saying the same stuff. Not a lot of news to report.
.@TeamStavaMurray dished some 🔥🔥 on the Repubs taking money from millionaires protecting their wealth. @RepHalpin said the current rate *is* graduated, except it's higher on the poor and lower on the rich.
And I'm pretty sure the Repubs have almost talked themselves out...
And I'm pretty sure the Repubs have almost talked themselves out...
Finally a moment of comic relief. @robertmartwick, after a long and puzzling line of questions from Rep Keicher, says a "what??" that gets caught on his mic
Just gave my two cents. Now Leader Durkin, Republican Minority Leader, and then Rep. @robertmartwick to close
Durkin: People of Illinois, do you trust the Democrats?
Well, they do keep electing us...
Well, they do keep electing us...
I can't believe we're about to vote on the #fairtaxnow. It's an incredible historic moment, my hands are shaking as I type this
73 votes. Passes!!!!!
Got to embrace @robertmartwick, @DonHarmonIL, and @JBPritzker on the floor, three leaders without whom this never would have happened.
Wish I could hug the whole entire movement, the thousands of organizers around the state who have fought this fight for so many years
Wish I could hug the whole entire movement, the thousands of organizers around the state who have fought this fight for so many years
A movement that, it bears mentioning, was led by women and people of color, in the very communities where we'll be investing the billions of dollars we plan to raise from the super-rich in this plan
Putting this here too: the campaign to win the #fairtaxnow falls to you. The voters. And it starts today.
Join us and pledge to vote yes in 2020: bit.ly/2JDkkq8
Join us and pledge to vote yes in 2020: bit.ly/2JDkkq8
