South Central Reporter

Former Republican state House candidate Don Moore worries about what could come next after Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s signature piece of legislation was soundly rejected by voters this month.

“I’m pleased that the progressive tax was defeated and truly believe that’s in the best interest of the state,” Moore told the South Central Reporter. “I worry about what he’s going to do at this point, now that he’s being forced to cut expenses. A real leader would look for things to cut that have minimum impact on the people you represent. I don’t see that happening with the governor.”

Despite selling the tax he has been pushing since his days as a candidate as a measure that would only mean higher rates for the state’s richest residents and pumping more than $50 million of his own money into a campaign to sway voters, the tax fail far short of garnering the 60% support needed for passage.

Moore said he’s not surprised to now see an agitated Pritzker lashing out and fears that he may actually be seeking some level of revenge.

“Knowing the governor, he will try to cut things that actually hurt people the most, all to try to prove the point that his cuts were needed,” he said. “He doesn’t know the concept of leadership, that’s taking care of people you represent not trying to get back at someone.”

As for the moment, Moore said he’s tremendously grateful to voters for doing the right thing for themselves and taking a stand against the governor.

“I’m just elated that most voters saw through this and knew it would end up on their dinner table because rich folks, sooner or later, were going to find a way to get around everything,” he said. “There was no way that they were going to be the only one to foot the bill for this tax.”