The Illinois Constitution says the state can only have a flat income tax rate.
An attempt to change that failed this spring.
So, too, have efforts to reach a bipartisan compromise on a new state budget.
House Speaker Michael Madigan says he wants to raise more revenue --- to help balance the budget --- by taxing the rich.
"I have said for the last year and a half I'm prepared to negotiate with the governor to find the money to pay for those services. My first choice in finding money would be taxing the wealthy."
Madigan says it's possible even with Illinois' flat-tax rule. He says it can be done through "exclusions and deductions.” For instance: raising the overall income tax rate but giving low-income workers a break.
