South Central Reporter

Illinois House candidate Blaine Wilhour blames wasteful government spending on stagnant leadership and misguided priorities.

“There are states around us like Indiana and Wisconsin that both have budget surpluses,” Wilhour told South Central Reporter. “Instead, we have the same self-serving career politicians enacting the same bad policies that are bankrupting our state.”

Wilhour's comments follow an Illinois Policy Institute (IPI) report that claims Illinois state government wastes approximately $100 million annually. The institute’s report cites $30 million in pork projects, or programs that receive state funding but are limited in scope to a single legislator’s district.

David Seiler

Wilhour, the Republican candidate for the 107th House District, said the figures show politicians have emphasized their interests over those of the state.

“We still do not have the kind of economic reforms we need to create jobs, and we still have not reduced the cost of government in any significant way,” he said. “It is not fair to taxpayers to ask for money when we are doing such a poor job to manage the state's resources now.”

The study uncovered $2 million spent by local governments on lobbying fees to promote their interests in Springfield. Compared to the heavy tax burden, allocating that much toward lobbying expenses has negative impacts, Wilhour said.

“We as taxpayers need to stand up and demand more accountability on how our tax dollars are being spent,” he said. “We need to get serious about reducing the cost of government in Illinois.”

Wilhour is running against Democrat David Seiler in the November general election. 

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