SE Illinois News

On Tuesday, Illinois state Rep. Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) had an opportunity to discuss important state issues during a radio interview with WJPF's The Morning News Watch.

"This morning I joined Tom Miller on WJPF Morning News Watch for a wide ranging interview," Windhorst said in a Facebook post. "We spoke about property taxes, gas and sales taxes, inflation, energy policy, jobs, and the impact all these issues are having on the people of Southern Illinois."

Windhorst spoke with Miller and pointed out issues in Golconda. He talked about the need for changes to school funding models that take into account the potential loss of tax revenue when large employers leave the state. 

"So what you saw there in Golconda is a microcosm of what we see in our region and throughout the state," the representative said in the interview. "We look at even suburban Chicago - in fact they're losing people because of property taxes. When I talk to those legislators, that's what they say. I live in Metropolis, right across rivers in Kentucky. It is very common for young families to pick up and move right across the river and pay one-half to one-third in property taxes and for the same value of a home. It feels like a losing battle in that way and that's one of the reasons I first ran and announced in 2017, ran in 2018.

"Those problems have to be corrected in Springfield. You can go to city of Golconda, city of Metropolis school districts and say 'lower your levy,' but they've ultimately got to provide education for young people, they've got to pave roads and provide services. So we in Springfield have to look at a different way of funding schools so that way those levies can be reduced and that way we can have more equal funding throughout the state."

Windhorst has been busy this summer, visiting the University of Illinois food pantry and community garden in July, a Southern Illinois News report said.

“We picked some tomatoes and stopped by the kids’ activity booth,” Windhorst said on Facebook, quoted by the News. “The community garden benefits the COPE food pantry in Metropolis and they are looking for volunteers to help maintain the garden.”

Windhorst also thanked his constituents for their support in the June election, another News report said.

"Thank you to the voters of the 117th District for your support and the great Election Results tonight!"  Windhorst posted on Facebook, quoted by the News. "I am honored for the continued opportunity to represent Southern Illinois and be your voice in Springfield. Thank you to my family, supporters, volunteers, and team for their hard work and dedication throughout this primary cycle."

Windhorst was first elected to the Illinois House in 2018, the House said. A Republican, his legislative experience includes serving on the Restorative Justice Committee and Judiciary - Criminal. He resides in Metropolis.