Sangamon Sun

Former state worker Curtis Caldwell is sharing his disappointment over the state’s Democratic lawmakers seeking to increase taxes on the rich while also increasing spending on immigrants.

“Adding more taxes to pay for services for illegal immigrants will not help to draw tax-paying citizens to Illinois. States around Illinois are growing because they have lower taxes and can attract new businesses to provide jobs,” Caldwell posted on Facebook. 

Caldwell retired as a Public Service Administrator for the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. 

“Have worked in emergency management for over 30 years. Over 24 years of experience with federal disaster recovery grant programs. Have served as State Public Assistance Officer and Alternate GAR in more than 25 Presidential declarations,” his LinkedIn page reads. 

The “wealth tax” would be based on the value of assets owned by rich Illinoisans. State Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago) said the tax could raise as much as $500 million per year, Kevin Bessler of The Center Square wrote.

The proposed tax comes as projected spending on healthcare for noncitizens for 2023 increases to nearly $1 billion. Deputy House Republican Leader State Rep. Ryan Spain (R-Peoria) was one of several Republicans to warn against the spending in the Medicai program dedicated to migrants. 

“Year after year, we saw the majority party continue to double down on these expansions, which are not eligible for federal matching funds,” Spain said at a press conference, according to Peoria Standard. “The Medicaid program in the State of Illinois is our biggest area of spending.”

Spain said the spending threatens the state’s fiscal stability. 

“This billion-dollar hole, which is just the beginning, requires the General Assembly to exercise fiscal responsibility in both the short-term and long-term to ensure state budget sustainability,” Spain said.

In part due to the high tax environment, Illinois has been experiencing steady outmigration. According to United Van Lines, in 2022, Illinois lost the second most residents of all the states. 

“Illinois has had nine consecutive years of population loss – the second-longest streak in the nation, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates,” Illinois Policy wrote. “The No. 1 reason United Van Lines was given for people leaving Illinois was jobs, with more than one-third of respondents listing it as a primary reason ahead of family and retirement. Housing and employment opportunities have both been made worse by poor public policy in Illinois.”