Gov. Jim Edgar will soon be deciding whether Magic Johnson and James Worthy should be contributing to Illinois` state coffers.
The Illinois General Assembly gave its official endorsement to and sent to the governor Sunday a bill-informally entitled ”Michael Jordan`s Revenge”-that would impose a tax on the income of any out-of-state professional athletes who play in the state.
The measure was proposed by Chicago lawmakers who were miffed when they found out that California had such a law and was charging Jordan and the rest of the Bulls while they were cashing in their victories in the NBA championship against the Lakers.
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”The law would be reciprocal only,” said Rep. Richard Mautino (D-Spring Valley), the House sponsor. ”It would affect only three states-Ohio, California and Wisconsin.”
Several other states are considering such levies, which end up costing Illinois residents because athletes receive a tax credit from Illinois on the amount paid to another state.
Last year, Bulls players paid about $4,000 in California state taxes.