Prairie State Wire

When it comes to the issue of taxes, Republican state House candidate Peter Breen insists Democrats in Springfield have a one-track mind.

“They’re making the choice clear,” Breen told the Prairie State Wire. “They are going to hike taxes no matter what and there will be no spending reforms coming as part of their plan.”

Before the Nov. 3 election where Pritzker’s progressive tax proposal will be on the ballot in the form of a referendum, Democrat Lt. Gov. Julianna Stratton recently warned voters if Pritzker’s proposal fails to get the support it needs for passage on Nov.3, 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.

Now running against incumbent state Rep. Terra Costa-Howard (D-Glen Ellyn) in the 48th District, Breen argues it’s clear to everyone except Democrat lawmakers that the last thing most residents want is more taxes.

“Illinois Democrats are entirely tone deaf with where the people of Illinois are,” Breen added. “They’re threatening this other tax and the real point is no matter what the people of Illinois vote on the graduated tax, Illinois Democrats refuse to deal with reforming spending. They won’t reform spending until voters force them to at the ballot box.”

Breen argues the prospect of any new tax would come at a heavy cost for the entire state.

“Hiking taxes in this state will drive more people out, crush more businesses and dreams, and leave more people struggling to find their way,” he said.