Darren Bailey, Republican candidate for governor of Illinois, said a theft charge against a Bloomington man for stealing from a local language school highlights ongoing fraud issues that affect Illinois taxpayers and raise concerns about state oversight.
“Jb Pritzker wants you to believe there’s no fraud—that it’s all just Trump being political,” said Bailey, Gubernatorial Candidate. “Then please explain how Rathnakumar Ramachandran allegedly stole up to $500,000 over four years from a school. A McLean County man is charged with stealing a large sum of money from a Bloomington language school. Police say 51-year old Rathnakumar Ramachandran sold between $100,000 and $500,000 from Abdul Kamil Tamir Pali between 2020 and 2024 while serving as the school’s treasurer.”
According to Bailey’s post on X, Rathnakumar Ramachandran allegedly stole up to $500,000 from the language school in Bloomington. The post included a video from 25 News detailing the charges against the school’s treasurer over four years. This situation underscores concerns regarding financial mismanagement within educational institutions in Illinois.
Illinois property taxes are among the highest in the United States, with an average effective rate of 1.83% in 2023. These taxes are primarily used for school funding and pension obligations, placing a significant burden on residents. The median homeowner pays $4,584 annually, which is considerably higher than in neighboring states. High taxes fund various programs amid scandals involving fraud in public sectors.
The Auditor General has confirmed that waste and abuse in Illinois’ free healthcare for immigrants have cost over $1 billion, indicating rampant fraud under the current administration. This misuse of funds diverts resources from essential services and exacerbates economic pressures on taxpayers. Regional metrics further reveal mismanagement within welfare programs.
During the pandemic, Illinois’ unemployment system experienced billions in fraudulent claims, delaying aid and imposing additional costs on taxpayers. Audits have shown failures in implementing anti-fraud controls, resulting in $1.9 billion lost to fraudulent claims. National data indicates that Illinois ranks high among states experiencing such losses.
Bailey served as an Illinois State Senator for District 55 from 2021 to 2023 and previously represented District 109 in the House. He operates a family farm and advocates for tax relief and conservative policies. In 2022, he ran for governor.
