SE Illinois News

Newly elected Republican state Rep. David Friess argues there can be no dispute where the residents of Illinois stand when it comes to taxes.

“The people of Illinois sent a clear message to the governor that they believe they pay enough taxes,” Friess told the SE Illinois News. “I’m very pleased the progressive tax was defeated by the citizens of Illinois.”

Despite the governor long arguing that the tax would only mean higher rates for the state’s most affluent and pumping more than $50 million of his own money into a campaign to get it over the finish line, voters soundly rejected the measure that required 60% approval from all voters for passage. In the aftermath, Friess insists he isn’t shocked to see the governor now lashing out to no end, threatening everything from across-the-board tax hikes to “painful” budget cuts after the measure was rejected.

“The fact the progressive tax was shot down is going to force the governor and the legislature to take a very hard look at the state's budget and cut wasteful spending and become more efficient,” he said. “The governor professed that potential tax increases and potential budget cuts are the result of what ‘billionaires and special interests have done to our state’ is misplaced. The root cause of Illinois' budget problems is the Democratic-controlled legislature, led by Mike Madigan, refuses to even discuss spending prioritization and living within our means. We cannot further burden families with more and higher taxes.”

Despite all the chaos, Friess argues the state’s course should be clear.

“The best route for Illinois to get its financial house in order is to eliminate wasteful spending, like automatic pay raises for politicians, and implement ethics reform,” he said.