South Cook News

Republican state House hopeful Eric Wallace fears what could become of Illinois if Gov. J.B. Pritzker were to ever get his way, especially when it comes to his progressive tax proposal.

“If that were to happen, residents will continue to leave,” Wallace told the South Cook News. “Businesses will shut down and Illinois will find itself in a bigger hole.”

Now running against Democrat Patrick Joyce in the 40th District, Wallace laments none of that has been enough to stop Pritzker and company from blindly plowing full force ahead.

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.

“It just shows how desperate they are,” Wallace added. “Springfield should not receive another dime in new revenue until they make some reforms.”

Wallace argues there’s easily a better way to get the state back on the right track other than the tax-and-spend culture now gripping Springfield.

“Cut spending, consolidate where possible and fix the pension problem,” he said. “It’s not rocket science. We spend more than we take in. We need to stop the insanity and truly balance the budget.”