BY JOHN O’CONNOR
AP Political Writer April 29, 2014
SPRINGFIELD, ILL. — An effort to let Illinois voters consider a proposed overhaul of the state’s income tax system died Tuesday in the General Assembly, but there’s still a strong possibility the November ballot could include an unprecedented four constitutional amendments.
The Senate adjourned without taking a vote on Sen. Don Harmon’s progressive income tax plan on the final day lawmakers could take action ahead of a May 4 deadline to get constitutional amendments on the general election ballot.
Harmon said he had support in the Senate for a graduated income tax, which would require wealthier residents to pay higher rate. But majority Democrats wouldn’t risk an election-year tax vote until they had assurances of similar House endorsement, a prospect that fell short.
“It’s a big decision and some folks still had questions they couldn’t quite answer to their own satisfaction,” said Harmon, an Oak Park Democrat. “With a little more time and education we’re going to be able to convince a supermajority in both chambers.”