Metro East Sun

Dwight Kay wants to see an end to the uneven nature of lawmakers in Springfield.

“It’s totally irresponsible for anyone to be suggesting more taxes when we already have some of the highest per capita debt in the nation,” Kay told Metro East Sun. "These are not just bad proposals; they are an invitation for more people to be walking away from the state of Illinois.”

A new Illinois Policy Institute report details how spending programs and revenue generating ideas put forth by Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker could swell the deficit and necessitate tax increases totaling up to $18 billion.

J.B. Pritzker

For a home with an income of roughly $80,000 that could mean an annual tax increase of up to $3,500 and a doubling of the state income tax rate to up to 9.95 percent. Economic activity could also be slowed by up to $31.3 billion as at least 132,000 jobs are shed from across the state.

“It all means just one more tax scheme after another,” said Kay, running against Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville) in the 112th District. “My opponent is on the record for being in favor of the so-called progressive tax idea and the truth is there isn’t a tax she has not supported while Mike Madigan has been in office as House speaker.”

Of all the taxpayers he’s talked to throughout his campaign, Kay said he hasn’t encountered one that thinks residents should be paying more taxes.

“Everybody understands that we’re overtaxed and undeserved,” he said. “They’re few in Springfield that are still fighting for the taxpayer.”

Kay added one of his biggest fears is waking up on the morning after Election Day to a state leadership team of Pritzker and Madigan. 

“I think things could be 100 times worse off, and there is no telling what scheme and type of spending we would be open to,” he said. “It’s the cost of corruption and for this state the price is too high.”

Illinois’ 112th District includes Bethalto, Caseyville, Fairmont City, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Pontoon Beach, Roxana, Shiloh and Swansea.