Metro East Sun

Don Moore didn’t need a new IRS study to tell him how disenchanted Illinois taxpayers are about the growing burden they’re being forced to carry.

“I talk with voters all the time,” the Troy Republican told the Metro East Sun. “I know many people have just had enough.”

According to the IRS study, more than 86,000 people fled Illinois at an adjusted gross income cost of nearly $5 billion over just a year’s time.

Don Moore

In addition, a recent Paul Simon Public Policy Institute survey found that nearly 50 percent of all Illinois residents now want to leave the state, with rising tax rates being cited as the primary reason for bolting.

Data from the IRS also show the cash-strapped state experienced a loss of nearly 42,000 tax returns to other states over 2015-16, equating to an all-time high in lost exemptions.

Researchers noted millennials are leading the charge for greener pastures, with the top 10 states to which Illinois lost population being Florida (12,800 exemptions gained from Illinois on net), Texas (9,400), Indiana (8,200), California (7,600), Arizona (6,400), Wisconsin (6,000), Colorado (4,700), Georgia (4,200), Tennessee (3,600) and North Carolina (2,700).

“We need change and we need it from the top down,” Moore said. “It all starts with removing (House Speaker) Mike Madigan (D-Chicago) from power.”

Moore is aiming to be part of that change as he prepares to face off against Rep. Charlie Meier (R-Okawville) in the Republican primary in 108th District.

Moore points to Meier voting in favor of the new $36.1 billion state budget that carries a 32 percent permanent income tax as a classic example of just how out-of-touch he is with the people of his community.

“I’ll fight in Springfield for taxpayers to be able to keep more of what they earn,” he said. “We have to be willing to stand up to Mike Madigan and do what’s right for the people.”

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