Rauner proposes tax reform plan

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (WLS) -- Republican candidate for governor Bruce Rauner and democratic Gov. Pat Quinn are laying out competing visions for how to create jobs and improve Illinois' economy.

At a Schaumburg factory, Rauner proposed what he called "pro-growth tax reform," including a total rollback of state income tax rates to 3 percent, a freeze on property taxes and a modernized sales tax on many but not all services.

"Daycare, child care, basic services, barbers, landscaping etc., things like that are not taxed under our proposal," Rauner said. "It's things that are non-essential and more luxury services."

"This is a bum idea and I don't think people of Illinois are going to buy it whatsoever," Quinn said.

Quinn appeared after Rauner, celebrating another monthly drop in the Illinois unemployment rate, now at 7.1 percent.

"More people are working in Illinois today than before I became governor," he said.

Quinn said "the Rauner tax" could stall the state's recovery.

"Slapping a tax on small business and everyday people as they go about their daily lives, I'm against that," he said.

Rauner said if his tax and regulatory reforms are adopted, he and running mate Evelyn Sanguinetti could support raising the minimum wage.

"Evelyn and I are comfortable phasing in as high as $10 an hour as part of an overall pro-business structuring reform," Rauner said.

"There's one candidate for governor fighting hard to raise the minimum wage and that's me, the other guy is full of baloney," Quinn said.

Rauner was also endorsed by the Illinois Manufacturer's Association, which donated $250,000 to the republican.

"It is time that we elect a leader that will focus on creating jobs and capital investment," said Greg Baise of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association.

Meanwhile, the governor again made his case for being the candidate who supports the working class.

"We want to make sure we fight hard for everyday people, not the plutocrats," Quinn said.