Yingling Calls for Cuts to Property Taxes and Quick Action after Rauner Address

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, issued the following statement in response to Gov. Bruce Rauner’s State of the State address on Wednesday:

“My assessment of our state is that many hard-working families are being put at risk by our governor’s showmanship and lack of action, and I will not stand idly by and watch as he attempts to continue holding hostages, helping corporations and letting children, seniors, and the ill suffer.

“My interest in serving as a community voice started with my strong belief that property taxes are too high, and I have continually voted to make cuts. Our governor needs to take action and work in partnership in order to make lower property taxes a reality. I want to make our state more business-friendly by easing regulations and lowering taxes on businesses, because we need more hiring and growth – not more regulations.

“The devastation of the state’s current budget situation is widespread; we have gone 19 months without a real budget, logged $10 billion in unpaid bills, and faced distressing cuts to important programs like mammogram screenings for women, college assistance for middle class families, and Meals on Wheels for seniors. I believe we can make Illinois business-friendly without cutting protections for working families and slashing wages. We need a balanced approach that meets the vital needs of the sickest and youngest among us.

“I am viewing the new year and today’s speech as an opportunity to move forward, and I will work collaboratively with anyone who is ready to address this urgent situation without harming middle-class families.”