To the Editor:
After visiting over 10,000 voter doorsteps this past year, I realized it was necessary to create a pledge to demonstrate my commitment to get Illinois working the right way.
I believe for too long Springfield politicians have been running our state the wrong way. The Illinois General Assembly has increased state government spending by 39 percent in the last decade. Since 2001, Illinois has lost 355,208 jobs. In addition, Illinois is the 14th highest taxing state in the nation.
The people I have spoken with have had enough. Voters are tired of electing politicians that focus on the next election and not the next generation. We must hold our elected officials accountable, which is why I am presenting my pledge to "Get Illinois Working the Right Way."
My pledge includes the following:
As I mentioned earlier, state government spending has increased by 39 percent in the last decade. We deserve a government that will be as frugal with our tax dollars as families must be with their money every day. And that means cutting back in tough times.
A 2007 Inventory of State Programs audit conducted by the Illinois Auditor General found that nearly 100 state agencies reported over 1,750 state programs.
It was stated in the audit: "The State does not have a comprehensive, consistent inventory of state programs." The simple fact is, the state does not know how many programs actually exist, which is why I support an audit of each state agency line-by-line resulting in identifying wasteful government spending.
The American Legislative Exchange Council study "Rich States, Poor States" ranks Illinois 48th in economic performance. The truth is, Illinois is at a disadvantage when attracting employers and new jobs to Illinois.
Times are tough. Illinois has lost 355,208 jobs over the last decade. I recognize that jobs are leaving because of the 300-plus taxes and fees that Springfield politicians have levied on employers.
According to the Tax Foundation, nationally, Illinois is the 14th highest-taxing state in the nation.
Springfield politicians have failed us. They continue to waste our tax dollars, scare away good paying jobs to our neighboring states, and they still have the nerve to talk about raising our taxes 67 percent.
Enough is enough, it's time bring accountability and common sense back to Springfield.
Dwight Kay
Republican candidate for state representative
112th District