State Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) recently addressed constituents in an online presentation following the override of Gov. Bruce Rauner's veto of bills leading to a state budget.
“The … bills that the governor vetoed were overridden, so it’s going to be a challenge … the bottom line is that we’ve got to get this state rolling,” he said via video, adding that on a positive note, he witnessed some bipartisan action on the House floor. Further, he suggested, the state is finally in a position to pursue viable reforms, now that it has a budget to work with.
“We’ve got to have a reason to stay in Illinois,” he said, averring to his support of families who have been coping with the state’s current economy and business atmosphere. “We’re going to work together; it’s just going to take a while.”
Severin said that he is not in favor of raising taxes on corporations or individuals.
“I am disappointed that the House has concurred with the Senate to override the governor’s veto,” he said. “I understand that things like our schools, universities, and health care facilities are in dire straits and that the threat of junk bond status loomed large over everyone’s head.”
“What passed yesterday will help address those issues in the short term but also means that a 32 percent, permanent tax increase will be imposed on every Illinois family, and that is wrong,” Severin said. “We already know that simply raising taxes without making significant structural changes doesn't work. It didn't work in 2011 and it won't work today.”
Acknowledging that many challenges stand in the way of reform, he pledged to continue to work toward common goals.
“Over the past week, my district office has been flooded with stories of families and businesses on the verge of leaving Illinois for Kentucky, Missouri, Indiana, and other states,” he said. “So this tax increase may have been the last straw for many. Until the Legislature gets serious about addressing the root causes of our financial difficulties, I fear we'll be faced with more tax hikes in the years to come. That being said the mission of returning Illinois to an attractive home for families and business does not ride on one vote, and we will have many more opportunities to improve our state in the coming months.”
Severin ended his comments on an upbeat note, informing constituents that he had just received a phone call from the state comptroller’s office regarding funding needed to keep an early childhood education program operational in Williamson County.
“Hopefully funds will start flowing through the agencies that are owed money here in southern Illinois,” he concluded. “Stick with us. We’ll keep fighting, we’ll keep working.”
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