SE Illinois News

Illinois state Rep. Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) frets that Illinois government has become what Thomas Jefferson warned everyone about.

“It was Jefferson who said ‘when Americans figure out that they can vote themselves entitlements, democracy will fail,’” he said. “That’s what politics have become in Illinois with everyone in Springfield just out for themselves. The state is a mess, but everything is still my way or no way.”

 Bailey argues the latest illustration of that came courtesy of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s recent state budget address, where he expounded on his long-held idea of a progressive tax system.

The question of amending the state constitution to allow for the enactment of the system Pritzker has touted as a replacement for the state’s current flat tax system is slated to appear on the ballot in November, and Bailey is convinced the governor will go to any lengths to see it pass.

“In his speech, he threatened to hold money from other sectors of government until he gets what he wants on this,” he said. “It’s not about what’s best for the people of the state; it’s too often just about what I want.”

While Pritzker has insisted the progressive tax will only mean higher rates for the state’s wealthiest residents, Bailey cautions he doesn’t see how that can be.

“There’s no way this tax doesn’t hit the middle-class,” he said. “There aren’t enough rich people in Illinois willing to pay for it, and it would be just a matter of time.”

In the end, Bailey said Pritzker’s so-called budget address amounted to nothing more than an infomercial for his progressive tax system.

“It’s a disgrace to our state because he knows we’re already in trouble, but instead of reducing spending and shrinking government he continues all the spending that accomplishes nothing positive,” he said.