Ill. Millionaire Tax Question Sent To Governor

 A plan to ask voters whether Illinois should impose an extra tax on millionaires has passed the Illinois Legislature.

The bill now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn.  The Senate approved the measure 33-17 Thursday, despite Republican criticism it was "pure politics.''
 
The measure would put a non-binding resolution on the November ballot.

It would ask voters if the Illinois Constitution should be amended to add a 3 percent surcharge to annual incomes of more than $1 million.
 
Democrats say it could generate money for education. They also say the question will help build support for the tax in the Legislature.

Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn issued a statement upon the measure's passage.

“Our democracy works best when everyone has a voice," he said.  "Residents across Illinois will now have the opportunity to voice their opinion on whether millionaires should pay a little more to help ensure all students have access to a high-quality education.  An investment in education is the best investment we can make for our economic future."

 But Republicans say Democrats are pushing the measure to drive voter turnout.  GOP state Sen. Kyle McCarter of Lebanon says: "This is pure politics.''