An attempt to add a surtax on Illinois millionaires failed in the Illinois House.
House Speaker and Democrat Michael Madigan has backed the idea that would raise more money for schools. Illinois now has a flat tax on everyone. Madigan wants a 3-percent additional tax added on income above one million dollars. Voters went along with a statewide advisory referendum on the issue in 2014.
"It's time to listen to their voice, not the voice of the 1-percenters," Madigan said.
However, Republicans like Dwight Kay of Glen Carbon say it would cause job creators to go elsewhere.
"I'm sure as Florida hears this debate, they're saying Welcome To Florida for those millionaires who were in Illinois," he said.
Democrats disputed that notion, but the measure fell three votes shy of passing.
An effort to create a graduated income tax structure, which would raise taxes on the wealthy, is still under consideration.
