SE Illinois News

State Rep.-elect David Friess (R-Waterloo) is now ready for the heavy lifting to begin, fresh off of winning the 116th District state House seat over incumbent state Rep. Nathan Reitz with 34,378 votes (64.9%) to 18,589 (33.1%). 

“The reason I got in the race is to do all I can to get the budget under control and for us to stop all the spending,” Friess told the SE Illinois News. “I know it won’t be easy when you consider we just rejected the progressive tax proposal and there’s already talk about raising taxes. I’ve been laid off before, when you’re trying to hold on financially you cut spending, period.”

When it comes to Springfield, Friess concedes a change in philosophy figures to be only half the battle.

“Nothing’s going to change until we get Mike Madigan out,” he said. “Right now, he wields so much power nothing even gets to the floor to be heard unless he signs off on it. He’s a cancer on our state.”

Friess said he fears the state can last only so long doing the things that are regularly coming out of Springfield.

“Businesses will look to leave for more business-friendly places with lower taxes,” he said. “On top of that, no one will be willing to relocate to Illinois. If we don’t start changing things and getting our financial house in order nothing will be here.”

Through it all, Friess, a retired Air Force veteran, insists he’s going to Springfield with an open mind.  

“All the other GOP lawmakers I’ve talked with are ready for change and doing the things needed to make that happen,” he said. “But we need help from the other side and I’m willing to work with anyone that’s committed to doing what we need to.”