Metro East Sun

Jennifer Korte, Republican candidate for state representative in the 112th District, says motorists can expect two gas tax increases next year, thanks to the votes of incumbent Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Collinsville). 

“Not only did Katie Stuart vote to give herself a pay raise, but she also has stuck Illinois residents with two gas tax increases next year,” Korte said. “Katie Stuart is playing games in a pathetic attempt to win re-election and we all are paying the price. We deserve better.” 

Korte said her opponent has failed to address the kitchen-table issues regular people care about because she can’t defend her record. 

“Instead of focusing on relief for families, Katie Stuart voted to give herself a pay raise while focusing on an extreme agenda that has raised taxes, doubled utility bills, and put tampons in boys' bathrooms in public schools,” Korte said. “Katie has failed to stand up to the corrupt leadership of disgraced former Speaker Michael Madigan. She has failed to lower taxes. She has failed to reduce state spending. She has failed to protect parental rights. Katie Stuart has turned her back on working families. I’m running to restore common sense in Springfield and fight for our families.” 

Pritzker signed a measure in 2019 that doubled the state's gas tax. Illinois has the second-highest gas tax in the country. According to Illinois Policy, "The average Illinoisan will pay $11.55 in taxes for 15 gallons of gas. During the course of a year, the average gasoline tax is $408 per driver ­– $105 a year more than before Illinois doubled the gas tax in 2019." 

Due to the various layers of taxes imposed by multiple governments, Illinois has some of the highest prices at the pump in the nation. For instance, in Naperville, motorists pay a total of roughly 25% in gasoline taxes, which includes federal tax, two types of state taxes, a DuPage County tax, and a local city tax, Wirepoints reported.

Korte’s campaign said that it is time for Illinois families in the 112th District "to have an advocate in Springfield who will put the needs of our district ahead of corrupt political insiders,” which Korte is offering and would do if elected. Her campaign website also noted that “The people of Illinois are frustrated with career politicians. We need more checks and balances in our state to prevent government overreach and wasteful spending. We all know too many people who have left Illinois or are planning to leave. She is running to make Illinois an affordable and safe place where small businesses thrive and families want to raise their children. Jennifer will work to roll back Illinois’ recently passed extreme energy policies that drastically raise utility costs on families and seniors living on a fixed income. It’s time to stabilize rising energy prices and help working families better afford to live and work in Illinois. Jennifer supports law enforcement and will fight for safer communities. She will be an accessible citizen-legislator who will listen to the citizens of the 112th district."

Korte grew up in Highland and graduated from Mater Dei High School in Breese. Korte earned an Associate’s Degree from Belleville Area College (now called Southwestern IL College), a Bachelor’s Degree from SIUE, and a Master’s Degree in social work from Saint Louis University. Before becoming a stay-at-home mom in 2005, Korte worked as a social worker at Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

While Korte was an SIUE student, she volunteered with a local sexual assault victims advocacy center. Some of her time as a volunteer was spent meeting survivors of sexual assault in the Emergency Department to offer them advocacy, support, and resources. Korte also volunteered at a local pregnancy care center, in her children’s schools, and with her church. "She has a heart for advocacy and will be a voice for the people in District 112. Jennifer is a mom trying to move Illinois in a positive direction,” her website reads. Korte and her husband, Nathan, have been married for 24 years and are proud parents to three children. Korte's priorities are parental rights, senior citizens advocacy, mental health awareness, and and women’s issues.