A report issued by the University of Illinois Institute of Government and Public Affairs indicates that Illinois could raise more tax revenue, with a serious change in residents’ economic behavior, if it used a graduated income tax structure similar to those in neighboring states.

Statehouse editor Brian Mackey sat down with J.B. Pritzker over the weekend for a conversation focused on his policy agenda, the problems facing Illinois, and ethics in government.

Members of the Illinois Senate return to Springfield Tuesday. They’re once again expected to vote on a deal meant to end Illinois’ budget stalemate.

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.