In September 2020 Griffin wrote an op-ed published in the "Chicago Tribune" stating his opposition to Gov. Pritzker's "Fair Tax" proposal that would change Illinois income tax from a flat tax to a graduated tax. In an October 2020 email to Citadel's Chicago employees obtained by the "Chicago Tribune" and confirmed by a spokesman, Griffin wrote, “I am not willing to stand by as, once again, spineless politicians try to sell a trick disguised as a solution. Particularly not from a governor who, having inherited a great deal of wealth, has worked so diligently to avoid paying taxes himself ... Pritzker–a shameless master of personal tax avoidance–is well aware that many of the state’s top taxpayers will soon be decamping for states with more attractive tax policies. Under our federalist system, each state is free to compete to encourage companies and employees to join its community. Governors of Florida, Texas and other states have made compelling pitches for businesses – like Citadel – to leave Illinois.” In his email, Griffin said he was troubled by protesters who demonstrated outside Citadel's headquarters and “misrepresented my deep commitment to the youth of our city.” He said his firm has “brought countless families to the state, led important philanthropic and community initiatives and, together, have made Illinois a better place to live and raise a family”.