House Resolution 605 is a nonbinding resolution expressing opposition to a graduated, or progressive, state income tax in Illinois. It recites that the Illinois Constitution requires a flat income tax system, notes that voters rejected the 2020 progressive income tax amendment, and argues that current inflation, high taxes, and recession concerns make additional tax increases undesirable. The resolution also states that a progressive income tax would weaken Illinois’s ability to compete for and retain businesses.
The resolution’s operative language calls on the House to trust the 2020 election result, reject future efforts to amend the Constitution to allow a progressive income tax, and oppose any attempt to move away from the flat tax. It directs copies of the resolution to state constitutional officers and legislative leaders. Because it is a resolution rather than a statutory bill, it does not itself change tax rates or amend the Constitution, but it is intended as a formal legislative statement of policy and political position.
The general sentiment reflected in the text is strongly anti-tax-increase and supportive of the existing flat tax structure. The resolution frames the issue as one of protecting taxpayers, preserving economic competitiveness, and respecting the electorate’s prior rejection of the 2020 amendment. No committee transcript or vote record was provided, so there is no additional recorded debate or roll-call sentiment beyond the resolution’s own language.
The main point of contention is the broader debate over whether Illinois should adopt a progressive income tax. Supporters of the resolution oppose any constitutional change that would permit graduated rates, while opponents of the resolution would likely favor a more progressive tax structure as a way to raise revenue more equitably. The resolution also implicitly contests arguments that a progressive tax would improve fiscal fairness or state finances, instead emphasizing tax burden, inflation, and business climate concerns.
Impact
HR0605 does not amend the Illinois Constitution or alter the Illinois Income Tax Act; instead, it expresses the House’s opposition to future constitutional changes that would authorize a graduated income tax. Its practical effect is political and advisory, signaling legislative resistance to progressive income tax proposals and reinforcing support for Illinois’s flat income tax system. The resolution targets state constitutional officers and legislative leaders as recipients, but it does not impose legal obligations on taxpayers, agencies, or local governments.
Sentiment
The sentiment around the bill, based on the resolution text and the absence of contrary committee or vote information, is strongly supportive among its sponsors of maintaining the flat tax and strongly opposed to any progressive income tax proposal. The language is emphatic and partisan in tone, portraying the 2020 amendment as a rejected path to higher taxes and framing the issue as protection against additional burdens on Illinois residents. No recorded committee discussion or vote history was provided to indicate broader bipartisan support or opposition.
Contention
The central contention is whether Illinois should continue with a flat income tax or move to a graduated income tax. Proponents of HR0605 argue that a progressive tax would amount to a tax increase, harm households already facing inflation, and reduce Illinois’s competitiveness for business investment and retention. Opponents of this position would generally argue that a progressive tax could improve fairness and revenue adequacy by asking higher earners to pay more. Because the bill is a resolution, the dispute is largely about policy direction and constitutional change rather than immediate statutory implementation.