Metro East Sun

Passing the buck is no longer acceptable, according to House candidate Michael Babcock.

Responding to the ABC News Chicago affiliate report “Gas Tax Hidden in Illinois Budget,” Babcock, an insurance firm owner vying for the seat of retiring Rep. Daniel Beiser (D-Alton), said the tax that is part of the 583-page state budget proves incumbent politicians simply shift responsibility rather than find real answers to the state's money issues.  

“It shows that the only answer that our current public servants can come up with during a fiscal crisis is to raise taxes,” Babcock told the Metro East Sun. “Instead of trying to find innovative solutions to repair the financial status of Illinois, they continue to ‘pass the buck’ to our hard-working and overtaxed residents.”

Babcock, a Republican who wants to represent the 111th District, which includes Alton and Wood River in Madison County, said more taxes means more out-migration.

“Raising personal income taxes, property taxes, sales taxes and gas taxes will continue to force hard-working Illinoisans out of this state,” Babcock said. “Mike Madigan and the Chicago Democrats need to realize that doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results is defined as insanity."

In the news report, Sen. Dave Syverson (D-Rockford) said the hidden levy will likely not go to road repairs as it should under the title gas tax, which Babcock called par for the course.

“It’s another example of mismanagement and malfeasance by Speaker Madigan and his minions,” Babcock said.

In fact, another gas tax increase could soon follow this one, Syverson warned.

“With so many roads needing repairs in Illinois, Sen. Syverson said it's quite likely lawmakers will have to look at raising the gas tax next year,” ABC News reported.

Babcock said the answer is in change, not more taxes.

“Raising taxes cannot continually be the answer,” Babcock said. “More transparency, cutting frivolous and corrupt spending, and creating a more accountable government is the correct solution.”