State Rep. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights)
State Rep. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights)
State Rep. David Harris (R-Arlington Heights), who frustrated party leaders by voting for a 32 percent income tax increase last summer, now is refusing to publicly oppose a much larger proposed income tax increase.
Harris won't join House GOP Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs) and 49 other House Republicans in backing a resolution to vote against a progressive income tax.
Durkin filed the resolution on April 10. It states: "we stand united in opposition to any measure that would allow the creation of a graduated income tax on Illinois residents."
A graduated, or progressive, income tax, would raise income tax rates to as high as 12 percent on some Illinois taxpayers. The current rate is 4.95 percent.
Instituting a progressive income tax is the centerpiece of Democrat J.B. Pritzker's campaign for Illinois governor. He believes Illinois state government is underfunded and is pushing for higher income and property taxes to pay for higher salaries and larger pensions for state workers.
Harris, a member of the state House for two decades, isn't running for re-election. He announced he would step down after his tax hike vote prompted a primary challenge.
Republican Eddie Corrigan faces Democrat Mark Walker in November to replace Harris.
The 53rd District includes parts of Arlington Heights, Mt. Prospect, Prospect Heights and Des Plaines.
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