Democrats who soon will retake full control of Illinois government are expected to push for a sweeping overhaul of the state income tax, but if history is any guide, prospects for success range from don’t-get-your-hopes-up to fat chance.

 

Replacing the current single tax rate structure in Illinois with a menu of graduated rates that charge more to the wealthy would require a Constitutional amendment, which requires an extraordinary majority of voters. Similar proposals in other states have fared poorly at the ballot box.

 

In November, voters in Colorado defeated a referendum that would have replaced that state’s Illinois-like flat tax with several new brackets for higher income wage earners while dedicating an expected $1.6 billion revenue windfall for public schools. The measure was rejected 55 percent to 45 percent.

 

“It’s always been tough. Voters always approach these with skepticism,” said Kim Rueben of the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center at the Urban Institute.

 

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