Kane County Reporter

Dan Ugaste wonders how long Illinois can survive without incorporating the kind of changes he thinks the state is in desperate need of.

“Everything about this report tells us we’re still heading in the wrong direction and we need to be focused on changing Springfield,” Ugaste told the Kane County Reporter. “We need that to be able to fix our taxes and change our other priorities.”

Ugaste points to a recent Chief Executive’s 2018 “Best and Worst States for Business” report that pits Illinois No. 48 of 50 states, ahead of only New York and California, as proof of what he’s saying. The dreadful showing marks the fourth straight year Illinois has landed in the same position.

Dan Ugaste

At the other end of the spectrum, Texas ranked tops, followed by Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina. Closer to home, Indiana ranked No. 5 and Michigan, up nine spots over last year, ranked No. 27.

“This report clearly says it all, that we’re not improving as a state and the job is not being done,” added Ugaste, a Geneva Republican running to replace retiring Rep. Steve Andersson (R-Geneva) in the 65th District.

Ugaste said bringing about the kind of change he’s talking about starts with voters electing more Republicans in November's general election.

 “We were once one of the top business destinations in the country,” he said. "I don’t think we can change things having the same people in control.”

Once in Springfield, Ugaste add he plans on promoting and standing up for the kind of GOP values he thinks will truly make a difference.

“I’ll work with others, but I think we can all agree that things have to change,” he said.

 The 65th House District includes Batavia, Geneva, St. Charles, Pingree Grove, Hampshire and Huntley.