SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — More than 60% of Illinois voters supported a statewide advisory referendum last year calling for a property tax constitutional amendment. Former governor Pat Quinn is using that momentum to push lawmakers to pass a property tax relief bill.

There is no denying Illinois has the highest property taxes in the nation, and many believe it is past time for change. 

Quinn told reporters in Springfield Wednesday that millionaires should pay a 3% surcharge on their income taxes to help lower property taxes for families and businesses. The Illinois Department of Revenue estimates the millionaire surcharge could generate $4.5 billion.

"The system is out of control," Quinn said. "It needs fundamental reform, and I think it's very important that we address that issue in the coming year. We have to make the coming year a year of the taxpayer in Illinois."

Recent data shows Illinois has over 77,300 millionaires who make up 1.2% of the state's income taxpayers. Quinn said Illinois millionaires currently have a lighter tax burden than millionaires in 26 states and Washington, DC.

"We're at 4.95% for millionaires," Quinn added. "They pay the same rate as the cleaning lady."

Constitutional amendments require support from at least 70 members of the House and 35 senators.

Lawmakers would need to pass the legislation by May 3 for the question to appear on the 2026 general election ballot.

"I don't think too many elected officials are going to be successful saying that they're standing up for millionaires against the property taxpayers who are paying through their teeth in unfair property taxes," Quinn said.

Quinn also told reporters he had breakfast with Senate President Don Harmon Wednesday to talk about the plan. He hopes to speak with House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch and Gov. JB Pritzker soon.

Copyright 2025. WAND TV. All rights reserved.