Metro East Mayors Join Gov. Pritzker to Advocate for Fair Tax

Belleville, Ill. — Gov. Pritzker joined nine Metro East Mayors this morning to advocate for his fair tax plan that gives relief to 97 percent of taxpayers and ensures the wealthy pay their fair share.
 
"I'm honored to be joined by so many Mayors who are great leaders for their communities and who are standing here to fight for tax fairness for their residents," said Gov. JB Pritzker. "The fair tax is about bringing fairness to working families in every corner of Illinois. Too many communities across downstate Illinois, have been forgotten. That's wrong, and it's my job to change that. From Carbondale to Chicago and East St. Louis to Rockford, the people of Illinois deserve to be treated fairly."
 
The mayors joined Gov. Pritzker at Belleville City Hall to share how their communities would benefit from the governor's fair tax plan that includes a 20 percent increase in the property tax credit and a new $100 per child tax credit.
 
"Today, the mayors of the Metro East region are standing behind the governor's fair tax proposal," said Belleville Mayor Mark Eckert. "It will give tax relief to 97% of people across this state and ask those who can afford it to pay their fair share as we deal with a state budget crisis."
 
"We only have a few options to turn our state's finances around: cut essential government services by 15% across the board, raise taxes on everyone by 20%, or the fair tax plan," said Washington Park Mayor Rickie Thomas. "Like the governor, I support a fair tax that makes the wealthiest in this state pay their fair share while giving tax relief to the rest of us."
 
"Gov. Pritzker is following up on his promise to make our tax system more fair for everyone, and I'm proud to stand with him," said Cahokia Mayor Curtis McCall, Jr. "This plan gives relief to 97 percent of taxpayers and will help homeowners and working families across our state."
 
"Wisconsin, Missouri, and Iowa all use a fair tax approach, and it's time for Illinois to get on board," said Fairmont City Mayor Michael Suarez. "I fully support Gov. Pritzker's fair tax plan which is competitive with our neighboring states and gives 97% of people tax relief. We can't afford to continue on with our unfair flat tax while other states do this right."
 
"Gov. Pritzker's fair tax plan rightly asks the wealthy to pay their fair share while giving relief to the middle class and those striving to get there," said Millstadt Mayor Michael Todd. "I'm happy to support the governor's proposal that protects homeowners, parents and working people while putting our state on a better path forward."
 
"I'm proud to endorse Governor Pritzker's fair tax plan because the vast majority of taxpayers, including those making up to $250,000, will see some tax relief," said Centerville Mayor Marius Jackson. "The only ones paying more are just 3 percent of people across this state - people who make more than $250,000. It's only fair that we ask those who can afford to pay more to step up to the plate."
 
"Not only does Gov. Pritzker's fair tax plan give relief to 97% of taxpayers, but it also includes a new child tax credit that will help the parents who need it most," said Venice Mayor Tyrone Echols. "For the middle class families I represent in Venice, that will mean a child tax credit worth $100 for each child. This is an investment in our families and just one of the reasons I'm proud to support this plan."
 
"Homeowners in Swansea and across the state will get a 20% increase in the property tax credit on their income taxes, putting money directly into their pockets without interfering with local funding for schools and critical community services," said Swansea Mayor Mike Leopold. "Opponents of the fair tax have been vocal, but they haven't been specific in how they would provide property tax relief themselves. We have a plan that is fair for all and I'm proud to stand behind it."
 
"Illinois' flat tax is unfair to middle class families and those striving to get there, and the governor and the mayors standing with us today know that," said East St. Louis Mayor Emeka Jackson-Hicks. "Governor Pritzker is making good on his promise to protect working families and make our system more fair. A single mother with two kids in East St. Louis who works hard to make ends meet should not pay the same tax rate as someone making over a million dollars a year. Plain and simple."