Quinn and Ford Push Millionaire Income Tax Surcharge

Former Governor Pat Quinn and Representative LaShawn Ford are campaigning for a new 3% income tax surcharge on millionaires.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Taxes

Quinn and Ford Push Millionaire Income Tax Surcharge

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Should states implement an additional income tax on millionaires to fund property tax relief and education?

Pat Quinn and Representative LaShawn Ford held a press conference in Chicago to rally support for a proposed 3% income tax surcharge on millionaires. The proposal aims to split generated revenue equally between property tax relief and public education funding.

Why it matters

The campaign seeks to gain momentum for a policy that failed to advance during the spring legislative session in Springfield. Proponents hope that placing a related advisory question on the Cook County ballot will build public pressure for future adoption.

The proposed constitutional amendment H-J-R-C-A 21 would implement a 3% income tax surcharge on millionaires. Revenue from the surcharge would be split evenly between public education and local property tax relief.

The players

Pat Quinn

Pat Quinn is a former Governor of Illinois who is currently advocating for tax reform measures.

LaShawn Ford

LaShawn Ford is an Illinois State Representative who sponsored the constitutional amendment H-J-R-C-A 21.

The details

Representative LaShawn Ford introduced the constitutional amendment, though it stalled during the spring legislative session. Supporters are now using the Cook County ballot question to highlight the issue to voters.

Spring 2026: The H-J-R-C-A 21 amendment failed to advance in the Springfield legislative session.
October 28, 2026: Quinn and Ford held a press conference in Chicago to promote the proposal.
2028 general election: Supporters are targeting this timeframe for a potential return of the measure.

Market Dynamics

The proposed tax surcharge represents an attempt to modify the Illinois constitution through an amendment process. The measure faces significant procedural hurdles, as the Illinois constitution requires specific legislative thresholds for such changes to reach the statewide ballot.

If enacted, this surcharge would directly increase the income tax burden for millionaires residing in the state. For the broader public, the proposal promises potential long-term benefits through property tax relief and increased funding for public schools.

The takeaway

The campaign for a millionaire tax surcharge highlights an ongoing effort to shift the state's revenue model toward property tax relief. Residents should monitor future legislative sessions to see if these efforts gain the necessary support to reach a statewide ballot.