Chambana Sun

Illinois state Rep. Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) sees the same answer to all the state’s countless problems.

“The real answer to reform is in electing an entirely new majority,” Caulkins told the Chambana Sun. “Over the last 30 years, Democrats have had all the power and all they’ve proven is that they can’t effectively run state government. They’re more concerned with spending and spending and spending some more, with their answer to everything being to raise taxes so they can spend even more.”

Caulkins laments all of it continues to come at a steep price.

A new WalletHub report again finds Illinois is now home to the second-highest property taxes in the country, trailing only New Jersey. As an example, researchers highlight how the same $205,000 valued home in Illinois ($4,700) is taxed at a rate almost three times greater than in nearby Kentucky or Indiana ($1,760).

“Republicans have made several suggestions, but the majority refuses to seriously consider any of them,” Caulkins added. “Until voters decide they’ve had enough and commit to making the changes that are needed, we will continue getting more of the same.”

Caulkins added the scene over the summer when lawmakers were assigned to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s 88-member Property Relief Task Force wasn’t much different.

Ultimately, the panel dissolved without reaching any consensus or even issuing a report when Republican members refused to sign off on a draft accounting amid complaints none of their recommendations or suggestions were seriously considered by the Democratic-controlled panel.

“We’ve got to get real about all these things and pensions are at the head of the list because they’re our biggest driver,” Caulkins said. “Burying your head in the sand about that and pretending that it’s just going to go away is a disservice to the people of Illinois.”