South Central Reporter

Illinois’ nation-leading tax burden is apparently driving citizens to leave, with 53 percent saying in a recent poll they would like to move away.

Republican Blaine Wilhour, state House candidate for District 107, told the South Central Reporter the blame for the survey’s negative results rests squarely on the tax issue.

“The reason Illinois is losing population is because of the high taxes here that stifle the creation of good jobs and opportunities,” he said in an interview. “If we want to reverse this trend, we must lower taxes and become more competitive.”

David Seiler, 107th District state House candidate

The poll results came from a Sept. 26 report issued by the Center for State Policy and Leadership at the University of Illinois-Springfield and NPR Illinois.

Wilhour, part of a three-way battle for the seat against Democrat David Seiler and Libertarian Thadeus Freed, said tax cuts are the only way to keep Illinois from slipping further in population loss.

He cited statistics ranking Illinois as the nation’s second-highest state in terms of property taxes. Among the 10 most populous states, he said Illinois is also the only state to experience out-migration.

“For starters, we need to repeal the 32 percent income tax hike lawmakers approved last year,” he said. “We also need to lower property taxes. If we provide meaningful property tax relief to Illinois residents, we will do a better job of keeping residents here in Illinois.”

Another poll finding stated 14 percent of those surveyed held a negative view of state government. Wilhour blamed the distrust on decisions favored by the majority Democratic Party.

“Democrats don’t believe that Illinois is overtaxed,” he said. “They support J.B. Pritzker for governor and J.B. has done nothing but propose one kind of tax increase after another. I am the only candidate in this race who will stand up for taxpayers and oppose J.B.’s tax hike schemes.”

Wilhour said he was running as a reform candidate to address the state’s out-migration problem.

“Voters are tired of the status quo, and they deserve more accountability from their politicians,” Wilhour said. “I am running to clean up state government and enact the kind of meaningful reforms we need to get our state back on track.”

District 107 comprises Altamont, Centralia, Effingham, Greenville, Kinmundy, Salem, St. Elmo, Vandalia and Wamac.