Another way to secure a fairer tax

A Nov. 25 editorial rhetorically asks of big business and the wealthy, “What’s your politically doable alternative” to the Fair Tax Amendment?

No one with half a brain would have thought that the passage, or failure, of the Fair Tax Amendment would result in not having a tax hike. Illinois was not in great financial shape to start with, and the COVID- 19 pandemic has made things worse. Expenditures are up and revenues are way down. Even if there is assistance from the federal government, a tax hike will be a necessity, along with cuts to services.

Funds for education could be cut, but that would result in putting the onus of tax increases on school boards that then would have to raise property taxes — a form of taxation that is unfair and arbitrary.

The question remains: What tax is the most fair and equitable?

I would strongly argue for a Fair Tax equivalent. Gov. Pat Quinn suggested years ago that we increase the state income tax — but also increase the personal deductions taxpayers receive. The deductions could be tied to income levels. For example, an individual making under $ 30,000 a year could be granted a $ 10,000 deduction, in effect having to pay nothing in state income taxes. Those earning from $ 30,001 to $ 60,000 could be eligible for a $ 8,000 deduction, and so on.

There is still time to get a fairer tax system in Illinois, but the time to act is limited.

George Milkowski, West Ridge