Illinois House Democrats have introduced a massive gun control bill that would outlaw the sale of semi-automatic rifles and shotguns. It also prevents most residents under 21 from legally buying a gun.
Drowning In Debt, Waste and Fraud
Governor Pritzker locked down our economy during COVID and created a raid on the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. Instead of paying back the $4.5 billion Illinois borrowed from the federal government to make the fund solvent, Democrat leaders chose to make only partial payments and played a shell game using the remainder of the money to pay for temporary election year gimmicks. Pritzker & Co also allowed fraud and waste to run rampant paying out $2 BILLION in bogus unemployment claims.
Mismanagement + Incompetence = Higher Illinois Taxes
We Hate to Say It, But We Knew This Would Happen
“And not a single new ”equity” job has been created.
That’s despite the promised job-creation efforts Pritzker’s state Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is supposed to set up — for which it was given the authority to spend as much as $180 million a year. The money, from a fund paid for by customers of Illinois utilities, also can be spent on economic development aid — for instance for communities that might have lost jobs from, say, the closing of a coal-burning power plant or a mine as a result of the state’s big push to move to renewable energy sources like wind and solar power.
The state agency only recently has taken a small first step, holding “listening sessions” for business owners, community groups and others regarding the long-delayed job-training for what officials promised would help build a diverse workforce for a booming industry.”
Read the full article. It details the other delays in building wind and solar. There is no way Illinois will fulfill any promises in the bill and ensure we have reliable and affordable energy.
Illinois’ Biggest Pension Fund Sunk $6 Billion Further into Debt In 2022
Illinois’ Teachers Retirement System (TRS) accounts for well over half of the state-level pension debt, and the first actuarial report for fiscal year 2022 indicates that Illinois’ pension crisis only continues to worsen.
Keep this in mind when politicians like Comptroller Susana Mendoza are running around bragging about Illinois’ supposed ‘improved’ fiscal situation. The growing pension liabilities are completely ignored in their ‘balanced budget’ claims.
Illinois, The Least Tax-Friendly State for The Middle Class
Kiplinger’s annual state tax analyses found that Illinois’ 2nd highest property taxes, 8th highest combined sales taxes and above-average income taxes are costing middle class families more than anywhere else in the country.
If Illinois’ property taxes continue to increase, many families will consider moving to a more tax-friendly state. Hundreds of thousands already have.
What To Expect in Illinois In 2023
Over 180 new laws were passed by the Illinois General Assembly that are set to take effect on January 1, 2023. Some of these laws, such as the SAFE-T Act and Amendment 1, will have far-reaching consequences on Illinois’ existing policies on education, public safety, agriculture and labor.
Mattoon Brothers Bring Winery to Central Illinois
Blake and Cole Pierce’s love for their community inspired them to start the business. They want to raise their families in their hometown and have a place where friends and family can enjoy a meal and a glass of wine together.
We Are Here To Serve You!
As a State Representative, my office is available to assist you with any issues you may have when interacting with a state agency. Whether you need help with unemployment claims, getting a FOID card, renewing your drivers license or resolving a tax problem, we are here to serve you.
Oftentimes, some of the best legislation comes from people who see where the law is unworkable or simply unfair.
If you have ideas on how the state of Illinois could improve, let’s sit down and discuss if a legislative fix is needed.
Please call our office at 217.876.1968 to get help or schedule an appointment to see me. The office is located at 715 W Imboden Dr, Decatur.
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