An upcoming Democratic plan expected to focus on five elements – campaign finance, criminal justice, education funds, health care and budget matters – seems to have overlooked two things that are critical to healing Illinois: property taxes and jobs, the Illinois GOP said on Wednesday.
Republicans were responding to a Chicago Tribune article that described the Democratic plan as a “comeback agenda,” apparently in response to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s plan popularly known as a “turnaround agenda.”
According to the Tribune, Democrats intend to unveil the five-point plan along with a nonprofit initiative dubbed Reimagine Illinois that will publicize it.
“While it’s nice to see Democrats join the governor on criminal justice reform and improving schools, it’s alarming that their agenda appears to include nothing to lower property taxes or increase jobs throughout the state,” Steven Yaffe, Illinois Republican Party spokesman, said.
Although acknowledging that the subjects of the Democratic plan are relevant, Yaffe said there are other relevant matters to consider.
“[An] effort to fix the political system that doesn’t include term limits or redistricting reform isn’t a serious one,” Yaffe said. “Illinoisans want a balanced budget with real spending caps, a true property tax freeze and economic reforms to grow jobs. Democrats should add these key items to their agenda if they are serious about improving Illinois.”
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