It's not just Illinois billionaires in 'fair' tax fight. Here's who wants to sway your vote. [View all]

Chicago entrepreneur Erik Severinghaus is among the 3% of Illinoisans wealthy enough that he'll have to pay more next year under a graduated income tax if voters approve a change to the state constitution on Nov. 3.

But Severinghaus said paying more isn't his problem with what supporters call the "fair tax," which would allow lawmakers to scrap Illinois' existing flat-rate system and tax Illinoisans who earn more than $250,000 annually at a higher rate.

The reason he donated $1,000 to a campaign opposing the constitutional amendment is that he doesn't trust Springfield legislators to spend the extra revenue — estimated at $1.2 billion over the first six months — wisely.

"I am all for paying my fair share. I don't actually have a philosophical problem with it," Severinghaus said.

Read more: https://www.pantagraph.com/news/state-and-regional/govt-and-politics/its-not-just-illinois-billionaires-in-fair-tax-fight-heres-who-wants-to-sway-your/article_86bc0892-26a4-5f54-9199-e08d77a28b88.html
(Bloomington Pantagraph)