Senate rejects income tax constitutional amendment

SPRINGFIELD -- State lawmakers have again shot down an effort to let voters decide if Illinois' income tax structure should be reworked.

The Senate rejected a proposed constitutional amendment on Tuesday that would allow a graduated income tax rate.

The measure needed 36 votes to pass but received just 19 "yes" votes.

The state constitution now requires that all taxpayers pay one flat income tax rate.

Democrats say removing the flat-rate requirement will give lawmakers more flexibility in setting tax rates, which could include increases or cuts.

Republicans argue the measure would lead to a big income tax increase with the state budget in poor shape.

Sunday is the deadline to make it on the November ballot, so that means time is running out on this and other constitutional amendment ideas.