Chris Hicks is worried about what Illinois’ newly passed state budget and its 32 percent income tax hike might mean for his Central Illinois neighbors and the overall survival of the state.
“Several people had already indicated to me they planned to move away if things got any worse, and that’s what this new, tax-crazy budget amounts to,” Hicks told the Sangamon Sun. “The state is already losing about 2,000 residents a week. You have to wonder how much more it can take.”
Hicks has announced his intention to run against Sen. Andy Manar (D- Bunker Hill) in the 48th District in 2018.
Chris Hicks
The recently passed budget carries the largest permanent tax hike in state history. It took a General Assembly override of Gov. Bruce Rauner's vetoes of the budget's measures to pass.
Though the new budget ends the state’s two-year run without a balanced budget, Hicks is among a growing list of critics quick to point out that it comes with no structural reforms. It also hikes state incomes taxes by 32 percent. The personal income tax rate climbed to 4.95 percent from 3.75 percent and the corporate income tax rate to 7 percent from 5.25 percent.
“I don’t believe anyone can afford more taxes,” he said. “That’s even more true here, where we already have some of the highest property tax rates in the country. I don’t see any real winners here, other than (House Speaker Michael) Madigan and all the property tax lawyers.”
Hicks added he remains convinced that the state is in need of major structural reforms and desperately needs to eradicate itself from the kind of "pork" he finds the new budget to be filled with.
“The people here are not in favor of this budget and don’t understand the additional burden being placed on them with all these new taxes,” Hicks added. “The last two years nothing has been done in government, and we’re still paying higher taxes. I plan on bringing this up during the campaign as an everyday issue affecting people in their wallet as politicians continue to kick the can down the road.”
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