A Better Illinois

A Better Illinois was a coalition campaigning to revise Illinois's state income tax system. The coalition group was a project of progressive political group Citizen Action/Illinois, a 501(c)(4). The coalition failed to pass the tax changes through the legislature in 2014. Its website indicates that the coalition is now dormant, with no news or blog updates since April 30, 2014.

A Better Illinois argued for a tax system that would allow lower rates for those with lower incomes and higher rates for those with higher incomes. The Constitution of Illinois does not allow income-determined variable rate schedules, forcing the group to advocate for a constitutional amendment. The coalition argued Illinois' deficit and pension debt threaten future funding for state services.

Staff

Kristen Crowell was the A Better Illinois campaign director. She was previously Executive Director of We Are Wisconsin, a union-supported campaign organization that backed Democrat Tom Barrett's gubernatorial campaign during the 2011-2012 Wisconsin recall elections.

Billy Weinberg was a spokesperson for the campaign. He has worked for Illinois Democrats, including U.S. Representatives Luis Gutiérrez and Mike Quigley, and then-Governor of Illinois Rod Blagojevich.