Kane County Reporter

Republican state Senate candidate Jeanette Ward is highlighting for voters what she sees as one of the biggest differences between her and Democrat rival state Sen. Karina Villa.

“One of many clear differences is on taxes,” Ward said. “I strongly oppose the tax hike amendment that is first on the ballot. Villa not only supports a yes vote, but she voted to place this amendment on the ballot, with only Democrat voters.”

Despite Gov. J.B. Pritzker continuing to insist the tax he has been selling since his days as a candidate will only mean higher rates for the state’s richest residents, Ward isn’t buying it. The former U-46 School District Board member insists she’s not at all surprised to see Pritzker going to the lengths he has to get the tax over the finish line. 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.

“Before long, there’ll be an increase on taxes for everyone because we’ll be giving the legislature a blank check to do whatever they please with taxes,” Ward told the Kane County Reporter. “It won’t be long before they’ll even be taxing retirement income.”

Ward angrily wonders how much more lawmakers in Springfield think already stressed out taxpayers can take.

“Illinois is already home to one of the highest tax rates in the country and consequently that makes us have one of the highest outmigration rates anywhere,” she said. “I just hope that the people of Illinois are smart enough not to vote another tax on themselves.”