Metro East Sun

Republican state House hopeful Amy Elik sighs that Democrats in Springfield have proved themselves to be a one-trick pony – to the detriment of taxpayers everywhere.

“It's clear the only solution Democrats have is to raise taxes one way or the other,” Elik told the Metro East Sun. “I will use my 25 years of experience as a CPA to clean up Springfield's budget mess and root out the corruption that continues to drive up costs and drive people from the state.”

Running against incumbent state Rep. Monica Bristow (D-Alton) in the 111th District, Elik knows her job won’t come easy. With the progressive tax plan the governor has been pushing since his days on the campaign trail far from being a done deal when it appears on the ballot next month, Democrat Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton recently warned voters if Pritzker’s proposal fails, taxpayers could soon face a 20% state income tax hike to cover any looming budget shortfall. Such a steep rise would send rates spiraling to an all-time personal high state income tax rate for residents of 5.94%.

Since then, the governor has essentially co-signed Stratton’s threat, further warning taxpayers it’s either the progressive tax or a 15% cut in government services, which could mean cuts in funding for education and public safety and a state property tax increase.

“Once again, Democrats show their lack of interest in governing with fiscal responsibility,” Elik added. “The overt threat by Lt. Gov. Stratton to raise taxes by 20% is a shameful attempt at blackmailing the citizens of Illinois into voting for a measure that will be used to raise taxes as well as taxing retirement income.”

Elik argues the development and the way Democrats have supported Pritzker’s progressive tax proposal in mass speaks to how differently she and Bristow feel about what the community needs most.

“While my opponent continues to support such underhanded measures, I will continue to support fiscal responsibility,” she said.