SE Illinois News

Darren Bailey wonders if J.B. Pritzker and Democrats in Springfield realize that Illinois expands outside of Chicago.

Pritzker, the Democratic gubernatorial candidate, recently expressed an openness to a plan that would tax Illinois drivers for every mile they drive. The measure would require motorists to track all the miles they travel with a device placed in their vehicle, Illinois News Network (INN) states.

“This would be fine if I lived and worked in downtown Chicago,” Bailey told the SE Illinois News. “The truth is we have a different way of life down in these parts that would make something like that totally unfair to everyone down here."

Cynthia Given

The added revenues would be used to cover the state’s infrastructure costs, which are approximately $21 billion annually for repairs, according to INN. 

“We’ve got to make cuts right now,” said Bailey, who is running against Democrat Cynthia Given in the 109th District. “We can’t afford to continue doing what we’re doing. We’ve got to work together, address our pension crisis and not just keep talking about it.”

Given hasn’t offered any solutions to the state's problems, Bailey said.

“Most people don’t even know who she is,” he said. “I’m the only one in the district out there speaking out, even when you include sitting legislators. It’s like everybody is in hibernation. People are agitated and that’s why I’m running, to give them a voice and to carry their message to Springfield.”

It is time to move the state forward and address crucial issues, Bailey said.

“This is a critical election,” he said. “I think where we go from here largely depends on the new batch of legislators that could be coming to Springfield this fall. We’ve got to make a difference for people.”

The 109th House District includes Clay, Edwards, Effingham, Jasper, Lawrence, Richland, Wabash, Wayne and White counties.