State Representative Bill Hauter (R-Morton) spoke out today in support of legislation to end state taxation on tips for workers and called upon state policymakers to join in federal efforts to improve the lives of Illinoisans.
“Illinois workers can and should have more money in their pockets if only the state’s leaders weren’t so focused on opposing the President,” Hauter said.
Hauter blasted state policies directed more at opposing the federal government than helping Illinois workers. He focused specifically on Illinois’ refusal to join in removing the tax on tips.
“With the prices we are seeing, somebody who is working hard making deliveries or waiting tables deserves a break,” Hauter said. “If someone wants to tip them for excellent service, they should be able to keep that tip in full – not hand it over to the state.”
Last summer Congress passed legislation allowing a federal tax deduction for tips, but Illinois refused to remove its own income tax on tips. Hauter pointed out that at least five different bills have been introduced in the Illinois General Assembly to create a state tax deduction for tips, but that Democrats have blocked each of them from consideration.
See Hauter’s full comments at a statehouse press conference below. He was joined by State Representatives Brad Fritts (R-Dixon) and Mike Coffey (R-Springfield).