Willis: Next Two Years “Crucial” for State’s Future

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Upon taking the oath of office for her third term, state Rep. Kathleen Willis, D-Addison, stated that the next two years will be crucial for addressing the issues facing Illinois’ budget deficit and ensuring the state protects middle-class families..

“The past two years have seen social service agencies decimated and the middle-class virtually taxed out of their homes,” said Willis.  “Our state needs to change course to create an environment that is fair to the middle-class, reforms the government-class, and makes sure that millionaires are paying their fair share to support education, seniors, and the most vulnerable.”

Over the past two years, hundreds of social service agencies have been forced to close as a result of the governor’s unwillingness to negotiate on the state budget.  Services helping the mentally ill, women’s health, the developmentally disabled, senior citizens, children with autism, and homeless veterans have all been on the slashed by the governor as a tactic to apply pressure on lawmakers to approve his corporate agenda.  Further, the state has seen record-level property tax increases in local neighborhoods, prompting many to leave the state.  As an advocate for government consolidation and property tax reform, Willis stated the next two years are vital for ensuring we have a state that supports the middle-class, protects the most vulnerable, and creates a fair playing field for all residents.

“Our state is facing some daunting challenges and nothing is going to be fixed until all parties are ready to roll up their sleeves and get ready to stand up for working men and women,” said Willis.  “My job is to fight for the residents of my district and the choices made these next two years will be crucial in deciding if we will have a state that supports the middle-class or not.”

Willis is starting her third term in the Illinois General Assembly as State Representative of the 77th District, which includes O’Hare Airport and portions of Addison, Bellwood, Bensenville, Franklin Park, Maywood, Melrose Park, Northlake, Stone Park, and Wood Dale.