South Central Reporter

Blaine Wilhour, the Republican candidate for the 107th House District, is concerned about taxation in the state after Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker suggested he was open to a mileage tax on Illinois drivers.

"I will oppose all efforts to implement a mileage tax. We cannot afford to raise taxes in Illinois," Wilhour told South Central Reporter. “It would be extremely difficult to enforce and would unfairly target people who live in rural parts of the state.”

Discussion of the tax earlier this year prompted lawmakers to draft a House Resolution officially noting opposition to any new state mileage taxes.

J.B. Pritzker

Wilhour pointed out that access to public transportation is scarce in rural areas and he does not believe taxing Illinoisans who live outside of the cities is a viable solution to the state's problems.

"Taxing mileage is only going to make the tax burden in Illinois even greater than it already is,” he said. “We need to look at ways to lower taxes not raise them.”

Legislators have a responsibility to stimulate the economy in Illinois rather than burden residents even more with new taxes, Wilhour said.

"We need to lower taxes and take steps to make our state more business-friendly,” he said. “Instead of dreaming up new ways to tax Illinois residents, lawmakers should be focused on growing our economy. More jobs and opportunities is the solution to our economic woes, not higher taxes.”

Wilhour is running against Democrat David Seller and Libertarian Thadeus Freed in November’s general election. He said he is fearful of what it will mean for the state of Illinois if Pritzker is elected.

"The Legislature raised income taxes by 32 percent last year and if J.B. Pritzker becomes governor, he is most certainly going to push for even more tax increases," Wilhour said. "The problem in Illinois is not that taxpayers pay too little, it is that our politicians spend too much money. We need legislative leaders who will protect taxpayers."

The 107th House District covers portions of Effingham, Fayette, Bond and Marion counties.