I hope you are all doing well after the storms! Here is an update on some things you may be interested in.
Governor Pritzker Needs a Dose of Reality
During an interview with Capitol News Illinois last week, Governor Pritzker dismissed state Republicans as “doom grifters” and “carnival barkers,” even suggesting they are rooting for Illinois to fail. The truth is, House Republicans have repeatedly offered real solutions for the challenges facing our state, only to be shut out of the legislative process by the Democratic supermajority.
The governor also made several claims that simply do not hold up to scrutiny. Here are the facts:
Governor Pritzker’s Tax Hikes Are Crushing Working Families
Despite the governor’s claim that he has “lowered taxes on working-class people in this state,” the facts tell a very different story.
- Just last week, WalletHub ranked Illinois number one for the highest tax rates in the country, a staggering 53% above the national average.
- According to the Illinois Policy Institute, Illinois residents are paying an average of $1,434 more per person in taxes than before Governor Pritzker took office.
- Compared to 2019, Illinois now collects $18 billion more from taxpayers, a 51% increase.
- Since taking office, Governor Pritzker has enacted at least 49 tax and fee hikes on Illinois families and businesses.
CONGRATULATIONS Breese Central Lady Cougars!
Breese Central has captured their second ever State Championship in Girls Basketball! The ladies beat Byron in the championship game and finished the season with a 32-3 record.
This team will go down as one of the best in the history of Breese! Congratulations ladies and thank you for making our community proud!
Business coalition warns against phasing out use of natural gas in Illinois
A coalition of 19 manufacturer, business and labor organizations have petitioned to end ongoing workshops studying the future of natural gas in Illinois after a statewide resource adequacy report warned of energy shortages.
In their petition to the Illinois Commerce Commission filed Feb. 24, the coalition called continued efforts to phase out natural gas in Illinois “unreasonable and ill-advised.” The petition cited the report’s finding that Illinois still relies on natural gas, even as the state moves toward renewable energy sources and decarbonization goals.
Conducted by the ICC in partnership with the Illinois Power Agency and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, the report assessed progress toward the state’s energy and emissions goals and measured the current and projected status of electric reliability.
Illinois aims to move to 100% carbon-free power by 2045, as mandated in the 2021 Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.
I absolutely oppose these arbitrary phase-out dates and think we should unleash the power of Illinois energy by using gas, coal, nuclear, and other energy sources!
Carlyle Middle School
I visited the 7th and 8th graders at Carlyle Middle School. They asked some tough questions and no doubt have a bright future ahead!
Thank you for the opportunity to visit!
Storms Have Ripped Through Southern Illinois
While Northern Illinois got hit by a massive EF-3 twister last week, Southern Illinois was pelted with wind, storms, and hail as two storm systems moved through the region.
This is just the beginning of storm season, so please familiarize yourself with the Severe Weather Preparedness Guide.
Photo Dump
It is an Honor to Serve!
It is such an honor to serve as your State Representative. This week, we head back to Springfield on Wednesday, and I am excited to share more about some bills I’m hoping to pass this legislative session.
As always, if you should need any assistance, please reach out to my office. We are here to help!
-Charlie