SE Illinois News

Republican state House candidate Lisa Ciampoli places much of the blame for Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s latest tax hike threats squarely at the feet of her Democrat rival, state Rep. Katie Stuart.

“My opponent put the tax hike amendment on the ballot,” said Ciampoli, who faces the veteran lawmaker in next month’s General Election. “Does she also agree with the lieutenant governor who is threatening to raise our taxes even more if we don’t support her and the governor’s tax hike plan?”

Democrat Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton recently warned voters if Pritzker’s proposal fails to get the support it needs for passage on Nov.3, taxpayers could soon face a 20% state income tax hike to cover any looming budget shortfall. Such a steep rise would send rates spiraling to an all-time personal high state income tax rate for residents of 5.94%.

Since then, the governor has essentially co-signed Stratton’s threat, further warning taxpayers it’s either the progressive tax or a 15% cut in government services, which could mean cuts in funding for education and public safety and a state property tax increase.

Ciampoli insists she’s grown tired of the madness.

“Their tax-and-spend agenda has failed our state for decades,” she added. “We need leaders in Springfield standing up for Metro East families not standing with the Chicago Democrats."

Once in Springfield, Ciampoli, a former Madison County board member, said she plans to be as vocal as she’s always been in taking a stance against the tax-and-spend policies of Democrats.

“As a fiscal conservative, I oppose the tax hike amendment that would give more money and power to Springfield politicians like Speaker Mike Madigan, she said. “On the county board, I worked to keep taxes low, while Chicago Democrats in Springfield were working to hike taxes over and over.”