Kane County Reporter

Dan Ugaste thinks the idea of increasing the state’s flat tax rate with an eye toward a graduated income tax is a recipe for disaster.

“It’s the exact opposite of what we need to see happen, which is to get our runaway taxes under control,” Ugaste, a Geneva Republican running to replace retiring Rep. Steve Andersson (R-Geneva) in the 65th District, told the Kane County Reporter. “If you keep taxing people, eventually you run them out. That’s not a recipe for anything good. I can’t understand why anyone would be in favor of this.”

The idea of a flat tax increase, at least on a temporary basis, is being pushed by Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker.

Dan Ugaste

Pritzker said his plan would also boost credits and deductions; however, he didn't detail what he thinks the final, increased tax rate would look like.

In the Democratic primary, Pritzker bested rivals Chris Kennedy and Daniel Biss, and will face Gov. Bruce Rauner in November's general election. During the primary campaign, he said his graduated tax idea would base tax rates on income levels. Ultimately, the issue would be placed on the ballot for voters to consider as early as 2020.

“Our issues with out-migration will only worsen under this plan,” Ugaste said. “How can we really get our taxes down when the base is just steadily dwindling away?"

Ugaste said the real key lies in voters sending representatives to Springfield who are willing to make the kinds of tough decisions needed to get the state’s fiscal house in order.

“So many people are leaving the state in frustration right now, and many others are considering it,” he previously told the Kane County Reporter. “People are tired of being beaten up, and we’re facing a really significant population decline if we don’t change course really fast.”

The 65th House District includes Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, Pingree Grove, Hampshire and Huntley.