Illinois voters approved a nonbinding proposal to add an extra 3% levy on annual incomes of more than $1 million, which could fuel a new effort to raise taxes on the state's highest earners.
The ballot measure – which was an advisory question – won 60% of support, according to the Associated Press. About 90% of the votes have been counted.
"The vote is a gigantic step in the right direction," said former Governor Pat Quinn, a supporter of the measure.
While the proposal has no legal effect, the vote opens the door to a new debate over ramping up taxes on the rich even as Illinois and Chicago, its biggest city, contend with population declines and a string of departures by major companies and wealthy residents.
In 2020, voters rejected a separate measure backed by Governor JB Pritzker to replace the state's flat tax on incomes with a graduated system that would raise rates on higher-earners.
The Pritzker plan drew staunch opposition from billionaire financier Ken Griffin, who donated about $50 million to help torpedo the initiative.
