NW Illinois News

Andrew Chesney thinks it’s sad that lawmakers in Springfield will simply increase taxes instead of cutting spending at a time when the state is in desperate need of change.

“Chicago Democrats have historically looked to added revenues to solve every problem,” Chesney told the NW Illinois News. “The truth is [a progressive tax] never works. Right now, we’re struggling to retain our children and grandchildren in rural areas of Illinois and it’s due to the toxic tax climate and overall dysfunction with our tax system.”

Running against Democrat Nick Hyde in the 89th House District in November’s general election, Chesney has made the issue of tax reform a central component of his campaign.

Democrat Nick Hyde is running against Andrew Chesney for the Illinois State House 89th District.

“I’m certainly not supportive of just another tax on the middle class that does nothing to solve the root problem,” he said. “Sure, it may temporarily send more revenue to state coffers, but ultimately it’ll send even more people heading for the border and to neighboring states where they feel they have more of a chance.”

Chesney said everyone would be better served if lawmakers did the responsible thing and sought to reduce all the massive and unnecessary spending.

“Right now, we have over 7,000 units of government, which is something we need to take a serious look at to be more efficient,” he said. “We could start with the elimination of the lieutenant governor position and the merger of comptroller and treasurer’s office. That would be the more prudent and responsible way to go, instead of just adding more taxes when we already have some of the highest in the country.”

Chesney still holds out hope for the state despite his seemingly bleak outlook.

“I think things can be fixed, and our problems can be solved, but not in the same old way we've always tried," he said."Tax cuts are what we need, along with more fiscal responsibility and less burdensome regulations.”

The 89th House District includes parts or all of Jo Daviess, Stephenson, Winnebago, Carroll, Ogle and Whiteside counties.