Metro East Sun

As Illinois Democrats face growing concerns and issues with the state pension debt, state Rep. David Friess (R-Red Bud) thinks he has an easy solution to the problem.

"A better option for getting the pension debt under control would be for the state to get out of the pension business," Friess told Metro East Sun.

Friess's comment came after House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch (D-Hillside) hinted that Democrats are leaning toward renewing a push for a progressive income tax.

Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch (D-Hillside) | File Photo

"I am a little surprised that Speaker Welch would propose a tax increase only a few months after the voters overwhelmingly rejected the progressive tax, however, Democrats' default position to fix every budget issue is to raise taxes," Friess said.

Welch said that the tax revenues would be used to pay down the state's $141 billion debt in unfunded pensions.

No matter how Democrats try to rationalize it, Friess said he doesn't expect it to matter much with taxpayers.

"The voters know they pay enough in taxes, which was evidenced by the defeat of the progressive tax," Friess said. "I don't believe the Speaker will have any more support or success this time."

Friess said it's easy to see why voters have such little faith in state government given Springfield's checkered history.

"Trust must be earned, and the state government has failed miserably in this respect," he said. "The citizens of Illinois know the state is in a financial mess. If we explain difficult decisions are necessary, they may respect us, and we may begin to earn their trust."

As it is, Friess said he's hoping voters will again have the spirit to rise up to stop any movement looking to enact another tax. Back in November, a similar measure fell far short of the 60% support needed to pass, despite Gov. J.B. Pritzker investing millions in a campaign aimed at getting it over the finish line.