Sangamon Sun

Seth McMillan wants 48th District voters to know just how sharply he differs from state Sen. Andy Manar on the issue of immigration.

“Illinois spends millions of dollars every year on welfare for illegal aliens,” McMillan, who is running against Manar in November’s general election, recently posted on Facebook. “My opponent has supported this. I would vote against welfare for illegals.”

The Democratic-controlled Senate recently voted to adopt a resolution urging Gov. Bruce Rauner not to comply if President Donald Trump makes a request to send National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border. Trump has since signed a memorandum to send troops to the border.

McMillian has left no doubt what side would have his vote.

“I believe in border security and stopping the flow of illegal aliens and drugs from coming across our southern border,” he added in his post. “My opponent doesn’t.”

A small-business owner and teacher from Taylorsville, McMillian has based his campaign on ridding Springfield of all the dysfunction that has virtually taken on state government.

“Illinois is a state that taxes too much and spends too much,” he says on his website. “We need policies that will give families and businesses a reason to stay. That starts by working toward a better business climate that fosters small businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovation.”

One issue that particularly rubs McMillian the wrong way is the 32 percent permanent income tax lawmakers banded together to impose as part of the 2017 passed state budget.

“Too many career politicians have done nothing to improve the economy in central Illinois,” he added on Facebook. “There’s no way the politicians in Springfield can justify raising taxes 32 percent without any spending cuts.”

The 48th Senate District includes portions of Christian, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Montgomery and Sangamon counties. It also includes Decatur, Springfield, Taylorville, Carlinville, Litchfield and Hillsboro.