Despite recent hype over the possibility of legislators putting questions on the November ballot to change the constitution, the Illinois House adjourned Wednesday without even voting on proposed amendments. Their lack of action means voters won't be asked whether they want to change how they're taxed.

Economist David Merriman with the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs says a graduated income tax makes sense for the state, but questions the proposed rates currently on the table.  Merriman discusses the proposals with Illinois Public Media's Brian Moline.

Illinois is one of only eight states with a flat income tax. The reasons can be traced to the state’s first-ever successful attempt at putting an income tax in place. An effort to change the current tax structure is underway, but supporters face a fast-approaching deadline.  

All Illinois residents pay the same income tax rate. Now a plan is afoot to change that, with a constitutional amendment, to have the wealthy pay more.