Newly elected state Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) is starting to feel that all the hard work of Republican lawmakers in Springfield may pay off after all.
“Even though we haven’t been successful all the time, I can’t tell you how many people are thankful that there are people willing to stand up for their concerns,” Caulkins told Chambana Sun amid reports that recent polls show increasing resistance by voters in at least seven Democratically controlled districts to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s plan for a progressive income tax system.
“I think we’re getting people’s attention and feel like it’s slowing down this onslaught,” Ugaste added.
State Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur)
According to Illinois Policy Institute, the Democratic districts where voters are exhibiting the greatest pushback include those of Reps. Terra Costa Howard (D-Glen Ellyn), Karina Villa (D-West Chicago), Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville), Jonathan Carroll (D-Northbrook), Sue Scherer (D-Decatur), Monica Bristow (D-Alton) and Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville).
“I’m not surprised by the reaction of voters,” Caulkins said. “I think what we’re seeing are the results of the Democratic agenda being forced on people. Voters have had enough and in today’s world of growing social media, they can be informed about all this terrible legislation.”
Meanwhile, Pritzker’s plan recently took a step forward when the Illinois Senate Executive Committee voted 12-5 in favor of advancing legislation that would strip away the state’s flat tax system in favor of a graduated income tax.
Like House Republicans, however, the nonpartisan Tax Foundation feels that if Pritzker’s plan were to ever see the light of day it will mean more dark times for the state. The group forecasts that economic growth will slow and outmigration will continue to rise.
“We’re seeing people figuring out for themselves what they’re being told isn’t true,” said Caulkins, who won in the 101st District in November with nearly 70 percent of the vote. “In the meantime, we’re also working hard to deliver our message. Let’s see what happens.”
The 101st House District includes parts of Champaign, DeWitt, Macon, McLean and Piatt counties.
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