SE Illinois News

State Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) wants to see the Reimagine Illinois campaign succeed. 

Reimagine Illinois is a House Republican-driven effort to realign the legislature with anti-corruption and fiscal responsibility initiatives. Earlier this month, Windhorst joined Rep. Tony McCombie in an IL House GOP video to answer questions about Reimagine Illinois. 

"For too long, Illinois as a state has been stuck in a rut," Windhorst said when explaining the importance of the campaign. "It's easy for our citizens to think 'this is the way it has to be because this is the way it always has been.' Reimagine Illinois is telling us that we can have a different state if we change the direction of the state."

Windhorst has recently been frustrated with the state's spending habits and the governor's plan to  tax small businesses. In a February SE Illinois News article, Windhorst said that economic growth needs to happen now if the state if going to fix its long-term fiscal challenges and declining population. 

"Whether we're talking about pension debt or taxes or population growth, Reimagine Illinois says we can change that and turn our state around," Windhorst said. 

The campaign tackles ethics reform, a centerpiece issue for many lawmakers including Windhorst. He recently introduced a bill that would ban state politicians from lobbying in local governments, and is concerned about a recent legislation that would eliminate cash bail in two years. 

Windhorst's colleague, Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee), also discussed Reimagine Illinois in a recent House GOP video. She said that the state's corruption has significant impact on Illinoisans. 

“I think we know for far too long Illinoisans have been  paying a high price for corruption. We’re painfully aware that  corruption decreases economic growth and discourages development in our state. Corruption further serves to disadvantage the already underserved  in our state and in our communities,” Haas said.