My  2020 Position

I promised to work on balancing the state budget. At that time, the State of Illinois had not had a truly balanced budget since 2001. We were having trouble paying our bills, our credit rating was shot, and our pensions were massively underfunded. 

What I’ve Accomplished

I helped pass legislation to transfer $2.7 Billion from the Pension Stabilization Fund to the Office of the State Comptroller (HB 2803). I sponsored HB 2386 which amends the Illinois Income Tax Act and provides that each taxpayer business is entitled to an income tax credit equal to 100% of costs had by taxpayers including screenings, treatments, and recommendations concerning  employees’ wellness. I also Co-sponsored HB 4155 which amends the Illinois Income Tax Act by creating a number of credits for taxpayers that manufacture electric vehicles or batteries for electric vehicles, and HB 4214 which amends the Illinois Income Tax Act by creating an income tax credit for hospitality employers. Finally, I was able to vote on and pass two truly balanced budgets and Illinois is paying its bills on time now.

Future Plans

We must still find new ways to balance the budget that do not burden our residents with excessive taxes. Property taxes especially hit the average person and stunt growth in our area.

One of my main focuses going forward will be on keeping taxes low so as to not drive away constituents and give opportunities to live and work in Illinois without significant financial burdens.