NW Illinois News

Li Arellano, a candidate for the 37th State Senate District, is urging voters to support candidates who are committed to lowering taxes and reducing government spending in 2024. Drawing from his experience as a former small business owner dealing with high taxes and regulations, as well as his tenure as the Mayor of Dixon where he demonstrated conservative fiscal leadership, Arellano emphasizes the need for candidates who are dedicated to fiscal responsibility.

“Will you resolve to advocate for Lower Taxes and Reduced Government Spending in 2024?” Arellano asked. “Resolution: I resolve to support candidates who will work diligently to lower taxes and reduce wasteful government spending, aiming to put more money back into the pockets of hardworking Illinoisans.”

In a Facebook post, Arellano further explained why he believes he is the right candidate for this role. 

"Why Li Arellano? Li Arellano, a Conservative Republican, is the candidate who will work tirelessly to make this resolution a reality," he stated. "With experience in dealing with high taxes and regulations as a former small business owner, he understands the impact of excessive taxation and is committed to fiscal responsibility. Notably, during his eight years as the Mayor of Dixon, Li provided conservative fiscal leadership by reducing the deficit, creating a balanced budget, and restoring financial integrity following the $54 million theft prior to his leadership."

Arellano also encouraged community members to actively support his campaign. 

"This year, let’s turn our resolutions into a powerful force for change! Commit to making a positive impact in our great state, and get involved with our campaign."

According to Illinois Policy citing a 2023 WalletHub study, Illinois families bear the highest state and local tax burden in the nation. The typical household pays 15% of its income or an average of $10,463 which marks a 22% increase since 2017. The study factors in tax rates for a household with the U.S. median income, owning a median-valued home.

Illinois surpasses all states in this category, with a tax burden nearly $3,000 higher than the median state, Massachusetts. Despite these high taxes, Illinois faces the nation’s worst pension debt, totaling $140 billion for state pensions and an additional $70 billion for local pensions, equating to $42,600 in liability for each Illinois household. The study also highlights the state’s second-highest gas taxes and a property tax ranking of No. 2 in the nation, placing additional financial strain on residents. Illinois Policy suggests a "hold harmless" pension reform plan to address the unfunded pension liability and ensure retirement security for pensioners, emphasizing the need for a constitutional change and legislative action.

Arellano served two terms as Mayor of Dixon and is a small business owner who owns two Jimmy John’s franchises, a frozen yogurt shop called Frosted Spoon and a commercial property leasing company. According to Shaw Local, he ran on a pledge to clean up the city after Rita Crundwell’s $54 million fraud and embezzlement conviction. Crundwell served as treasurer for the municipality from 1983 to 2012 during which time she stole the funds, much of which went to her horse breeding operation.