Darren Bailey says he's willing to put his money where his mouth is in his bid the represent the 109th House District in Springfield.
“I’m running to be an advocate for Illinois taxpayers,” Bailey, a Xenia Republican, said in a press release in which he confirmed that he won’t be taking a legislative pension and will be donating $20,000 of his salary to his southeast Illinois community if his run for the seat held by Rep. Dave Reis (R-Willow Hill) is successful.
“I won’t take more of their hard-earned money to fund a pension for a part-time job,” he added. “I truly want to serve the people of my district and give back to the community, and that’s what I’ll do if I’m elected.”
Bailey said he plans to break down his donation by gifting $10,000 to a faith-based charity and the other $10,000 to a civic organization or cause in the district.
Throughout his campaign Bailey has preached about the need for greater fiscal accountability, blasting Reis for voting in favor of the new state budget, which carried a 32 percent permanent income tax increase.
Though he has never held public office, Bailey recently scored the endorsement of the Chicago Tribune editorial board, which saluted him for his toughness and commitment.
“Darren has the spine required to make a real difference in Springfield,” the board said in a press release. “Reis voted for an income tax hike with no spending reforms, got cold feet and tried to block it a few days later. The GOP caucus lost a lot of spine in the days leading up to those votes. Darren Bailey was paying attention.”
The 109th House District includes parts or all of Jasper, Effingham, Clay, Richland, Lawrence, Wabash, Wayne, Edwards and White counties.
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