Metro East Sun

Taxpayer burden is a sore subject in many states with residents feeling a great deal of financial pressure with high tax rates, and with Illinois having been ranked one of the worst state's in the country, Don Moore, candidate for 108th House District seat held by Rep. Charles Meier (R-Okawville), is speaking out against unjust taxation. 

"The tax burden placed on all Illinois residents has significantly increased over the past 15 years, much of that time under a (Democrat) controlled House and Senate," Moore told Metro East Sun. "But it would be misleading to place all the blame on Democrats.  All politicians over this period of time are complicit in the tax burden that has given Illinois the distinction of being the 49th most heavily taxed state in our country."

According to Moore, the responsibility of improving the economic condition of Illinois rests with elected officials and is closely linked to decreasing government spending and tax hikes. 

Madison County Board Member Don Moore, running in GOP Primary for Illinois State House

"Instead of showing leadership by writing bills promoting fiscally conservative policy changes, or reducing our budget expenses by scrutinizing our state budget department-by-department, line-by-line, our elected leaders have again chosen the path of least resistance by raising our taxes by $5 billion dollars this past July," Moore said.

The increases in spending should not be handled lightly, according to Moore, who believes that over two terms, politicians ought to be able to prove their worth through the fruits of their labors while in office. 

"My belief is that ... our elected officials have not been able to fulfill their promises to us, regardless of reasons or conditions, they have still failed us," Moore said. "They need to step aside and allow someone else with new ideas, with the energy and persistence to continue to fight against self-serving politicians in leadership positions."

Moore believes that voters may not realize the gravity of the situation but that the current ranking of the state as one of the worst in the category of taxpayer burden will only worsen with time. 

"When I consider these facts, I come to realize that something has to be done, and I am willing to step up to the plate and go to bat for Illinois. No more defensive posturing, no more passive pushback, it's time for Republican leaders in Springfield to go on the offensive, " Moore said.

Ultimately, taxpayers who cannot afford to remain in Illinois will find themselves leaving the state for relief, a reality which Moore finds disappointing and unacceptable. 

"We need leaders that will take the necessary actions that will minimize what people now living in other states will come to say, I used to live in Illinois, but decided the welfare of my family was more important,'" Moore said.

The 108th House District covers parts of Clinton, Madison, St. Clair and Washington counties.