East Central Reporter

A downstate lawmaker is convinced Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Democrats in Springfield are simply incapable of leading the state in the right direction.

“Everything about what they’re doing or wanting to do tells you that,” state Rep. Chris Miller (R-Oakland) told the East Central Reporter. “You wonder when the bleeding will stop. Right now, we’re bleeding residents, jobs and businesses.”

Miller doesn’t expect things to get any better if Pritzker gets his way, especially when it comes to the progressive tax plan he’s been pushing since his days as a candidate.

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.

Miller insists he’s not surprised to see things come to this.

“Democrats have proven time and time again that they’re fiscally irresponsible, which is why we shouldn’t trust them with another cent,” he said.  “As far as either of the taxes they’re talking about now go, the net effect would be the same. It all comes down to them trying to intimidate people into doing what they want them to do.”

Miller worries the price the state is forced to pay could be huge.

“The exodus we’ve seen could be become even more pronounced,” he said. “More than ever before, people can work from anywhere, which only means more of them have come to realize they don’t have to be in Illinois. They know they don’t have to stay around and be hit with even more taxpayer tyranny.”