Illinois Passes Bill to Raise Business Taxes After Missouri Eliminates Capital Gains Tax, Furthering Nationwide Divide on Fiscal Policy.
In a move that underscores the vast divide between red and blue states when it comes to fiscal policy, Illinois lawmakers have sent a bill to Governor J.B. Pritzker's desk, which would decouple the state tax code from federal provisions related to business expensing. This step would deny employers across Illinois the benefits of full business expensing when calculating their state tax liability, resulting in an estimated $250 million increase annually.
This measure is being met with significant opposition from various stakeholders. Senator Sue Rezin (R) warned that decoupling would make Illinois less competitive at a time when other states are cutting taxes and attracting new investment. "Every other state competing for factories, jobs, and new facilities is offering incentives to build, but decoupling sends a clear message that Illinois is closed for business," she said.
Illinois Manufacturers' Association CEO Mark Denzler emphasized the impact of this bill on the state's manufacturing industry, stating that it represents yet another blow. The Taxpayerβs Federation of Illinois noted that relying on higher business taxes every time revenue falls short can create a vicious cycle that weakens Illinoisβ tax base in the long run.
Meanwhile, neighboring Missouri has taken a contrasting approach by passing House Bill 594, which eliminated state taxation of capital gains starting in the current tax year. This reform is expected to "turbocharge Missouri's economy" according to Representative George Hruza (R). Governor Mike Kehoe described the bill as "a fairer tax system that supports growth and empowers individuals to keep more of their hard-earned money."
The decision by Missouri highlights a nationwide divide in fiscal policy. While some states, like Illinois, are raising business taxes, others are taking steps to reduce them. This approach is being championed by conservative lawmakers who believe it will encourage investment and prosperity.
As the debate over fiscal policy continues, one thing is clear: the contrast between red and blue states on this issue suggests a deeper divide in how policymakers approach economic issues.
In a move that underscores the vast divide between red and blue states when it comes to fiscal policy, Illinois lawmakers have sent a bill to Governor J.B. Pritzker's desk, which would decouple the state tax code from federal provisions related to business expensing. This step would deny employers across Illinois the benefits of full business expensing when calculating their state tax liability, resulting in an estimated $250 million increase annually.
This measure is being met with significant opposition from various stakeholders. Senator Sue Rezin (R) warned that decoupling would make Illinois less competitive at a time when other states are cutting taxes and attracting new investment. "Every other state competing for factories, jobs, and new facilities is offering incentives to build, but decoupling sends a clear message that Illinois is closed for business," she said.
Illinois Manufacturers' Association CEO Mark Denzler emphasized the impact of this bill on the state's manufacturing industry, stating that it represents yet another blow. The Taxpayerβs Federation of Illinois noted that relying on higher business taxes every time revenue falls short can create a vicious cycle that weakens Illinoisβ tax base in the long run.
Meanwhile, neighboring Missouri has taken a contrasting approach by passing House Bill 594, which eliminated state taxation of capital gains starting in the current tax year. This reform is expected to "turbocharge Missouri's economy" according to Representative George Hruza (R). Governor Mike Kehoe described the bill as "a fairer tax system that supports growth and empowers individuals to keep more of their hard-earned money."
The decision by Missouri highlights a nationwide divide in fiscal policy. While some states, like Illinois, are raising business taxes, others are taking steps to reduce them. This approach is being championed by conservative lawmakers who believe it will encourage investment and prosperity.
As the debate over fiscal policy continues, one thing is clear: the contrast between red and blue states on this issue suggests a deeper divide in how policymakers approach economic issues.