South Central Reporter

Republican House candidate Blaine Wilhour has been growing more concerned about the impact that increasing property taxes will have on residents in his district.

"Property taxes never go down — they always go up,” Wilhour told the South Central Reporter. “Over the last decade or so, property taxes have increased over [six-times] faster than median household incomes. That is not affordable or sustainable." 

With the ever-rising taxes and stagnant incomes, residents are left with few options, the 107th District candidate said.

David Seiler

"The only time residents can get any relief is if they have an appraisal that can lower the assessed valuation or if they qualify for the senior-rate freeze," Wilhour said. "High property taxes in conjunction with lack of opportunity are a big reason why many in my district are leaving the area for low tax states like Florida and Texas."

Wilhour is concerned about the direction the state is heading because of increasing taxes. Especially with Democratic candidates for state office pushing for higher taxes, he said.

"J.B. Pritzker and the Democrats are promising to raise taxes even more if they are elected,” he said. “The fear is that not only will property taxes continue to go up but we will see other taxes increased. People will be taxed out of their homes. There does not seem to be any tax relief in sight in Illinois."

The solution is clear to Wilhour, who is running against Democrat David Seiler in November’s general election. It starts with reducing the costs of government, from the number of units in local government and reducing insurance costs, he said.

"We need to aggressively pursue structural reforms that will allow our economy to compete and grow,” Wilhour said. “A growing economy coupled with smart reforms will solve our issues.”

The 107th District includes Bond, Clinton, Effingham, Fayette and Marion counties.