West Cook News

When it comes to getting back on track economically after COVID-19, challengers to current incumbents contend the lawmakers need to change so the state can move away from high taxes and rigid regulations that are stifling the recovery.

“Working families in Illinois continue to struggle under high taxes and a lagging economy,” Jack Vrett, who is running for State Representative IL-53, told West Cook News. “State Rep. Mark Walker and the Democrats in Springfield are responsible for reckless policies that make it harder for families who are suffering under inflation to make ends meet, and for our small businesses to keep their doors open.”

The Illinois economy is lagging behind most states in the country, with the third-highest unemployment rate (4.4%) and a number of jobs that is still 80,000 fewer than before the pandemic, Illinois Policy reports. 

“With the third highest unemployment rate in the country, and the highest level of unemployment in the Midwest, our economy is simply falling behind the rest,” Vrett said. “We deserve a representative in Springfield who will cut taxes and simplify regulations so our businesses can stay open, and our citizens can enjoy quality of life through reliable and rewarding careers. We need to end Mark Walker’s irresponsible policies that hurt our economy and cost us jobs." 

The state’s policy decisions have exacerbated the threat of recession and Illinois will be in a difficult position as the flexibility of the state’s budget is minimal due to pension obligations and a $1.8 billion unemployment trust fund deficit, Illinois Policy adds. 

Illinois has tried to spend its way to recovery. Since the start of COVID-19, the state has spent nearly $5 billion fighting the negative economic implications of lockdowns. That money was a part of a congressional State and Local Recovery Fund Relief Package the Biden Administration approved. The package aims to stabilize state budgets and finance operating costs to maintain public services. 

On July 1, Illinois had a combined state and local tax rate of 8.73%, ranking eighth highest in the nation, and there is still room for it to become more burdensome. The state tax rate is 6.25% and the average local tax rate is 2.48%, though localities have the authority to charge as much as 5.25%. 

The Bureau of Economic Statistics says that in 2020, Cook County ranked 1st in Illinois for Real GDP at 344,457,109 (thousands of chained 2012 dollars) down 6.4% from 2019.