Metro East Sun

State House candidate Amy Elik argues Democrats in Springfield have long proved willing to sacrifice the people they represent for the preservation of a system they’ve rigged to their benefit.

“The debt in this state goes hand in hand with the constant tax increases,” Elik told the Metro East Sun. “The Democratic leaders in Springfield would rather raise taxes in any way they can than enact any reforms that disrupt the status quo. Each year, the Democrats get more and more comfortable and bold with their spending habits.”

Running against incumbent state Rep. Monica Bristow (D-Alton) in the 111th District, Elik points to the so-called fair tax now being promoted by Gov. J.B. Pritzker as the latest example of that.

Several media outlets have reported the governor recently contributed $51.5 million to a ballot initiative committee launched to promote the progressive tax proposal he’s been pushing since his days as a candidate. Vote Yes to Fairness, a committee headed by the governor’s former deputy campaign manager, recently received the funds and is already at work promoting a ballot measure that would convert the current flat tax to a progressive tax system. On top of being the only individual to contribute more than $250 to the cause, Pritzker’s latest gift comes after an earlier donation of at least $5 million.

“Democrats see tax increases as the easiest way to pay for the state’s spending and debt,” Elik added. “They aren’t concerned with how tax increases affect families and small businesses, but instead are focused on a fast solution to a very deep problem.”

In the end, Elik argues the plan the governor has been pushing since his days as a candidate simply ensures more of the same.

“The fair tax proposed by the governor is just another ploy to raise taxes for years to come,” she said. “He is masking this plan with a promise of lower taxes for 97% of Ilinoisans, but we know he needs middle-class tax dollars to fund his spending plans.”