To our Fellow Illinoisans -

We represent communities of faith from around the state of Illinois who are publicly declaring our support for the Fair Tax amendment. We believe that in the coming election, voters in Illinois have the power to promote justice, equity, and compassion by eliminating the clause in the state constitution that requires a flat rate income tax.  

Year after year, those with the least means, often people of color, pay twice the share of their income in state and local taxes as those with ample income at the top. This year, a question on the November ballot could fundamentally reform the current broken tax system that holds back those with the least means. Illinois has a flat income tax system that is at the core of these tax inequities. By voting for a fair tax, you can help restore the path for people to get ahead instead of behind because of an unfair tax system.  

We recognize the pervasive harms of systemic racism and know that the education provided for our children is not equitable, that Black and Brown communities are underserved, that health and mental health and jobs are underfunded in our state. Through a fair, graduated rate income tax, Illinois can better invest in programs and services that can strengthen communities that have long been neglected. Your vote in favor of the fair tax can make this structural change possible.

Fair Tax reform means 97% of Illinoisans, those making under $250,000 a year, will pay less or the same in taxes while wealthy people making more than $250,000 a year will finally pay their fair share. This small sacrifice by the wealthy provides better funding for education, human services, health care, infrastructure, and public services our communities need. These are works of mercy and justice.

In our sacred texts, time and again we see how God demands that society reorder its priorities to care for one another. This is a moral issue impacting every community within our state and it is up to all of us to not only vote for a Fair Tax, but use our voice to ensure Illinois makes this fundamental change!

As faith leaders, we are called to help build a better world through our commitment to building love for neighbor into our public policies. That’s why we’re voting for the Fair Tax amendment in November.  We invite you to join us by voting YES.

Thank you.

*At the end of faith week this letter will be made public along with a list of those who’ve signed it.

For more information about the Fair Tax, visit www.yesforfairtax.org