SPRINGFIELD, IL — A push for a ballot question to impose higher taxes on Illinois’ millionaires failed in the Illinois House on Wednesday.

Democratic House Speaker Michael Madigan’s proposed constitutional amendment place a 3% surcharge on income over $1 million. Madigan says the measure would have given about $1 billion per year to the state’s public schools. Madigan released a statement following the vote:

“For the second time in less than a year, Republican legislators have rejected the wishes of their constituents and opposed a measure requiring the top 1 percent to pay more to help boost education funding in Illinois.”

Madigan states that an advisory question was asked towards voters in the 2014 general election, and it received over 60% support statewide.

Opponents questioned the measure and said it would drive the wealthy to other states. Republican State Representative David Harris said this bill slows small business growth.

“It’s those small businesses that are going to feel a real impact. It’s a disincentive to them to do more just because they’re going to be taxed more,” Harris said.

The proposal needed 71 votes to pass, but received 68.