In 1969, the story of Illinois’ financial picture was arguably as dire as it is today.

To put Illinois on firmer footing, then-Governor Richard Ogilvie, a Republican, advocated for the need to enact a state income tax. For passage, Ogilvie needed the support of local officials across Illinois who would be preempted by the state’s proposal that also limited local income taxing authority. Ogilvie sought the assistance of then-Mayor Richard J. Daley, a Democrat. They compromised for the good of all. Instead of the new revenue going solely to the state, a revenue-sharing agreement was established giving local governments a percentage of all funds the state income tax provided.